Operational bloat doesn’t appear overnight—it sneaks up on you. A new hire repeats a task just to be safe. An extra approval step is added for oversight. None of these small additions seem like a big deal in the moment. But bit by bit, they quietly stack up. Projects start taking longer, and teams get bogged down by tasks that don’t add real value. That’s how you end up with five people unknowingly doing the same job.
Why Your Team’s Workflow Doesn’t Work
Ever find five people doing the same task? You’re looking at a silent cost. Redundant workflows quietly bleed your organization of time, money, and morale—draining momentum behind the scenes.Leaders often don’t notice the bloat—they’re too accustomed to the routine to see it. To fix it, step back and map out how work really gets done. Sit with your team and question every step: Why are we doing this? Does it still serve a purpose? By cutting those habit-driven tasks, you clear the path for faster, smarter work and give your team the freedom to excel. Make it a habit to question old habits—it’s a leadership move that pays off in speed and clarity.
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