Work smarter, not harder

Managers can use a framework to help guide employees toward more productive work and improved communication.​

The phrase “work smarter, not harder” encourages an increase in productivity and efficiency. It can motivate an employee to identify the most important and necessary tasks and execute them with accuracy and completeness while eliminating from one’s day the unnecessary activities that add no value. 

But without action steps to work smarter, the phrase lacks substance. Through the identification of the root cause, a manager can devise a specific solution to the barriers the employee is facing and possibly eliminate such roadblocks. The following framework can support the struggling employee and identify the root cause of the problem, strengthen the employee/manager relationship, encourage thoughtful and honest conversation, and promote collaboration between the two parties to identify relevant solutions. The framework may also positively impact other auditors in the department, as well as departmental stakeholders.

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