Striving for efficiency is great — until it becomes a trap. Over-optimization can make processes fragile instead of effective.

Efficiency often seems like the ultimate goal, but extreme optimization removes necessary flexibility. In auditing, cutting review time too much can lead to missed risks. In business, streamlining every process might leave no room for unexpected issues. A system that works perfectly under ideal conditions can break down when reality deviates even slightly. When professionals remove all “wasted” time or resources, they eliminate their ability to adapt. True efficiency means balancing optimization with resilience.

Don’t optimize to the point of fragility. Leave room for flexibility, or efficiency will turn into failure. Here are 5 Mistakes to Avoid:

• Cutting too many review steps, increasing the risk of oversight.

• Removing buffers in project timelines, making delays inevitable.

• Relying too much on automation without human judgment.

• Eliminating redundancy in key processes, leading to collapse under pressure.

• Ignoring the human factor — people need breaks, context, and adaptability.