The Myth of Efficiency: When Faster Isn’t Better

By Jena Armstrong

In higher education, efficiency often sounds like the ultimate goal. Faster processes, quicker approvals, streamlined systems. What’s not to love? But here’s the catch, speed isn’t everything. In fact, chasing speed without considering clarity and sustainability can create more problems than it solves.

Why “Faster” Can Backfire

When we prioritize speed above all else, we risk:

Imagine a student trying to register for classes under a new “fast” system that saves time on paper, but requires multiple logins, unclear steps, and no support when something goes wrong. The result? Frustration, delays, and a process that feels anything but efficient.

Efficiency vs. Effectiveness

Efficiency is about doing things quickly. Effectiveness is about doing things well. In higher ed, effectiveness matters more because:

What Real Efficiency Looks Like

True efficiency isn’t about shaving seconds off a task, it’s about creating clarity, consistency, and sustainability. That means:

The Bottom Line

Speed is tempting, but in higher education, better beats faster every time. When we design processes that prioritize clarity and sustainability, we create systems that respect people’s time, reduce frustration, and support learning.

So here’s the challenge: next time you’re tempted to ask, “How can we do this faster?” try asking, “How can we make this clearer and more sustainable?” That shift in thinking is where real efficiency and real improvement begins.