It's that exciting time of year again- just before the start the start of the football season and hopes are high for every team. Everyone is undefeated today, but after this weekend, half the teams will have a losing record. As the season goes along, reality sets in and the winners and losers identify themselves. Sports is such a great laboratory for learning life's lessons- I guess that's part of why so many of us spend ridiculous amounts of time and money watching and participating in games.
When you think about a football game, it really is a hugely inefficient event. There is a lot of activity, but not a lot gets done for the time invested. The question is, what is the value of the time spent to conduct a football game?
The difference between wasted and value-added time can be illustrated in a typical football game. The actual lapsed time it takes to play a regulation NFL game is approximately 180 minutes; however, the official playing time is 60 minutes. Believe it or not only 23 minutes are actually spent on running plays. That means that during a typical football game 88% of the game is spent on non-play activity. Is a portion of the 88% necessary for the successful outcome of a game? Absolutely. The coaching moments, play calling, and strategizing are certainly necessary for a positive outcome.
Football season is fast approaching so pay particular attention as you watch your favorite team. Watch and observe all of the activities taking place on and off the field, and really look to see what activities are truly value-added and what activities have no impact on the final score. Now, take and use that same perspective and apply it to the processes inside your organization or company. Where does your organization have non-value steps that if eliminated would positively impact your financial future?
GO TIGERS!
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