In this era of efficiency and achievement, we in the workplace are often driven by a variety of goals and tasks, and constantly strive for higher work achievement and career development. In this context, "addition" has become the default choice for many people - overtime, strengthening skills, expanding network ......However, as the ancients said, "the extremes of things must be opposed", in the continuous addition, we may ignore the importance of subtraction. In the workplace, you must not only learn to add, but also learn to subtract, which is not only the embodiment of workplace wisdom, but also a necessary strategy to achieve long-term career development.
The importance of addition in the workplace cannot be overstated. It represents accumulation and growth, and is the embodiment of our continuous learning of new knowledge, professional skills, and expansion of the field of work. Through addition, we can better adapt to changes in the workplace and improve personal market competitiveness. For example, mastering new technical tools, participating in industry training, and expanding new business scope are all concrete practices of workplace addition. This can-do attitude is a driving force for career development and helps us build a stronger professional foundation.
However, when we indulge in addition, we may overlook the value of subtraction. Workplace subtraction is a strategic abandonment, an optimal allocation of existing resources and energy. It means that we need to learn to say no to tasks that don't matter, to avoid over-committing, and to give up jobs that no longer meet our career goals. With subtraction, we can give ourselves more space to focus on what really matters, thus increasing the efficiency and quality of our work.
For example, if a project manager is faced with multiple projects and tries to move forward with all of them at the same time, it is likely that each project will not receive adequate attention and resources. In such cases, appropriate subtraction – i.e., choosing to prioritize the most promising or urgent projects – may lead to better overall outcomes.In addition, workplace subtraction is also reflected in the management of time and the simplification of work. For example, by cutting down on unnecessary meetings and processes, we can save ourselves valuable time that can be invested in more valuable work. At the same time, by streamlining workflows, we not only improve work efficiency, but also potentially discover new areas of innovation.
Subtraction also involves the management of interpersonal relationships. In the workplace, we inevitably have to deal with a variety of people. However, not all relationships are positive or beneficial. Sometimes, we need to reduce our interactions with negative relationships that drain our energy and affect our emotions so that we can put more positive energy into constructive relationships.
Of course, workplace subtraction does not mean passive withdrawal or giving up opportunities, but rather a more informed choice and decision. It requires us to consciously subtract while pursuing addition, finding a balance between the two. Not only does this help us maintain the continuity of our careers, but it also improves our workplace well-being.
In short, in the workplace, we must not only have the courage to do addition, but also actively pursue growth and progress; You must also know how to do subtraction, and choose to give up and focus wisely. Only in this way can we ride the wind and waves in the sea of the workplace and finally reach the other side of the ideal. In this process, the wisdom of both addition and subtraction will become our most valuable asset.