Organizational theorist Kenichi Ohmae on the difference between being efficient and being effective:

“Rowing harder doesn't help if the boat is headed in the wrong direction.”

People often use “efficiency” and “effectiveness” interchangeably, but their nuances are crucial. Efficiency is about doing things right—moving smoothly, swiftly, and resourcefully. Effectiveness is about doing the right things—ensuring that what we’re working on truly matters.