As managers navigate complexity, finding restraint wisdom is key to balancing efficiency with humanity, fostering strategic decision-making.
Unlikely Clerical Insights for Modern Times
“Thoughts On” Efficiency, as featured in Forbes Magazine (April/May 2025), offered two surprising gems with religious origins—each provoking reflection in our productivity-saturated age.
“The criterion of personal dignity—which demands respect, generosity and service—is replaced by the criterion of efficiency, functionality and usefulness…”
Pope John Paul II on Dignity vs. Efficiency
This quote critiques a societal shift: from valuing people for their inherent worth to valuing them for their output. In this view:
- Dignity is rooted in being, not doing.
- Efficiency becomes a cold metric that overlooks compassion, vulnerability, and uniqueness.
Next quote:
“If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed.”
Ecclesiastes 10:10 on Wisdom and Efficiency
This ancient proverb uses a practical metaphor: a dull axe requires more effort. The lesson?
- Wisdom is preparation—sharpening your tools before you act.
- Efficiency isn’t just speed or brute force; it’s thoughtful strategy.
The Dialogue Between Efficiency and Dignity
These quotes form a kind of dialogue:
- Ecclesiastes says: Efficiency is good—but only when it’s wise.
- Pope John Paul II says: Efficiency is dangerous—when it replaces dignity.
Together, they suggest a balanced ethic: pursue efficiency, but never at the cost of humanity. Wisdom helps us know when to sharpen the axe—and when to put it down and listen.
The Dynamic Equation: Where Efficiency Meets Dignity
As I reflect on the quotes shared by Pope John Paul II and Ecclesiastes, I am struck by the realization that efficiency and dignity are not mutually exclusive, but rather intertwined aspects of a dynamic equation. In my own experience as a manager, I have witnessed how prioritizing both efficiency and humanity can lead to remarkable outcomes.
On the surface, it may seem counterintuitive to suggest that efficiency and dignity are connected. After all, efficiency is often associated with speed, productivity, and output, while dignity is rooted in our inherent worth and value as human beings. However, when we approach these concepts through the lens of strategic restraint, a different narrative emerges.
Strategic Restraint Wisdom in Management
Strategic restraint is the art of knowing when to hold back, when to push forward, and when to simply be present. It involves recognizing that improvement can sometimes be a form of avoidance, dressed in noble clothing. Expanding on Ecclesiastes 10:10, Wisdom saves energy, prevents burnout, and leads to better outcomes.
In my own professional journey, I have come to realize that embracing strategic restraint is crucial for striking a balance between efficiency and dignity. When we prioritize efficiency over humanity, we risk reducing people to economic units or output, rather than valuing their inherent worth. Conversely, when we prioritize dignity above efficiency, we may inadvertently perpetuate inefficiencies and hinder progress.
Embracing Compassion and Managerial Integrity
I sense that my view on compassion is nuanced. Many believe compassion is acceptance and accommodation; others see it as clear expectations with personal grace.
I place dignity within professional accountability—that, respect, includes doing what one commits to, regardless of personal struggles. I feel it’s a legitimate stance, especially if your role involves high stakes, structure, or performance.
What might be worth reflecting on is whether rigidity in compassion sometimes risks misidentifying capacity as character. For example:
- A person with low intellectual capacity may still offer meaningful contributions through other strengths.
- Disinterest might stem from misalignment, not disrespect.
- Mental health issues, invisible but powerful, might obstruct performance—but can also reveal remarkable resilience if met with a safe space.
As I look back on my experience as a manager, I am reminded of the importance of providing clarity, feedback, and choice, rather than simply being kind. Compassion is not just about showing empathy or understanding; it also involves setting clear expectations, offering support, and empowering individuals to take ownership of their work. This approach recognizes that people are more than just their performance; they are complex human beings with unique strengths, weaknesses, and challenges.
Restraint Wisdom: Strategic Balancing of Efficiency and Humanity
The dynamic equation between efficiency and dignity requires a nuanced understanding of strategic restraint. By recognizing that improvement can sometimes be a form of avoidance, we can cultivate wisdom that saves energy, prevents burnout, and leads to better outcomes. As compassionate managers, it is our responsibility to strike a balance between efficiency and humanity, providing clarity, feedback, and choice while valuing the inherent worth and dignity of each individual.