The Path of Least Resistance

By David Brewster June 2002

The 'Path of Least Resistance' Test

Consider the following examples of 'The Path of Least Resistance' causing less than optimum performance in the workplace.  How many can you find in your business?

1. Managers retaining day-to-day tasks themselves when they should really be delegated to a subordinate
2. Paperwork piled up on desks; frequent rifling through papers to find 'that document'
3. Under-used technology; people consistently labouring over simple tasks on computers; excess time spent on the fax or photocopier because automatic features have not been learnt
4. Staff maintaining 'old ways' despite requests to do otherwise
5. Frequent use of the expression 'we have always done it that way around here'
6. Process bottlenecks, with paperwork banking up between departments
7. Staff learning about procedures by asking a neighbor, rather than refering to documented procedures
8. Retention of folders for price lists, etc. which are readily available 'on-line'
9. 'One-finger' typing
10. Consistent breaking of safety rules, e.g. climbing on a chair rather than fetching a ladder

These are only a few examples of the ways the 'path of least resistance' can support ongoing inefficiencies.  We would welcome your own examples: send us an email

Further Reading

Robert Fritz has written extensively about this concept.  You may like to investigate these books:

The Path of Least Resistance : Learning to Become the Creative Force in Your Own Life by Robert Fritz

 

 

 

The Path of Least Resistance for Managers by Robert Fritz and Peter Senge

 

 

 

 

 

©June 2002 Business Simplification

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