This was a coaching question but it applies to anyone with a boss, client, student or colleague.

Novice coaches often mistake inefficiencies with dedication.

Spending hours, upon hours, on administration and busy-work that add very little value to their client, or boss.

Specifically, there is a reluctance to use templates and recycle work. In fact, they think that anything not built from scratch is cheating.

Under what conditions are templates cheating?

• don’t work
• not fun
• lower compliance
• fail to meet goals

What to do?

• Aim towards continual efficiency improvements at what you do
• Save your work – you have limited number of keystrokes in your life
• Check with bosses, supervisors and clients on what they value – so you can work on the right things!
• Pay attention to what limits your performance and enjoyment – admin will make you miserable, especially when it can be avoided
• Notice, and keep, what works
• The cost of (an inefficient) status quo is hidden
• Frequently pause and ask… What is important now?

As an advisor, remember that performance is driven by behavior, not protocol – the best protocol is the one that motivates effective behavior.

Personal inefficiencies don’t motivate effective behavior in others.

What are your most effective behaviors?

Be the brand.

Keep it simple.