Don't Just Work Hard, Work Smart

7.?????Don’t Just Work Hard,?Work Smart

“Activity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result,” is Webster’s definition of?work.?

“Having or showing a high degree of mental ability; intelligent, bright,” is Webster’s definition of?smart.?

Our previous blog discussed discipline and hard work. I talked about my personal work ethic and how I acquired a solid work ethic from growing up in an environment where it was both necessary and required. We have all heard phrases like, “Hard work pays off,” or, “Work harder today than you did yesterday,” and, “Don’t work hard, work smart.” Although I think these are great motivational phrases to encourage everyone to succeed, I am not sure they are all applicable in specific situations.?

I’m reminded of a scene from the movie Mrs. Doubtfire where Robin Williams begins working in a warehouse for shipping movie films. His supervisor instructs him to pack the boxes, then ship them. In true Robin Williams humor, he asked his boss, “So after packing them?” His boss responds with a typical blunt answer and a few explicative words, “Ship them, @$%&*!”?

Another example is an employee who dedicates himself to working 60+ hours per week moving heavy boxes from one location to another. He works hard each day moving these boxes and moves them at the fastest rate physically possible for his stature and age. Is he able to “work harder today than he did yesterday?” Perhaps, but perhaps not.

However, after working this job of moving heavy boxes each day, he recognizes that if he invests several short hours into only one day, he can construct a cart that will allow him to move multiple boxes at once with less effort. His productivity increases ten times over the course of one week.?

The example above about our moving box employee is a simple illustration of “Don’t just work hard, work smart.” At Brikksen, I continuously encourage our team to be innovative in what we do and how we do it. We strive to look at our day-to-day with fresh eyes and better ways to service our customers. We all know the fastener industry often feels like a hamster wheel as we perform the same basic daily functions.?

However, we must also find new, more efficient ways to work hard throughout the day while increasing productivity and enhancing customer service. THIS is working hard while working smart. Fortunately, Brikksen employs some of the sharpest minds in the business, and we have made “working hard while working smart” an artform. I love my team and truly respect how they continue to innovate while working hard!??