Lean Accounting Series : Article 16 - Too many cooks spoil the broth

Keep it minimal and get the best!

Every work requires certain manpower, but what happens when there is more manpower and less work? Important functions/departments in an organization are generally over manned as the operation of those functions is critical. But in the light of preparing for a contingency what actually happens to an over-manned function/department is that it breeds inefficiency. Lack of adequate responsibility leads to procrastination and a laid back attitude. The other disadvantage is a task being assigned to multiple team members leading to conflicts in accountability. Critical functions must be manned adequately. The employees must feel responsible and accountable and yet be backed up for any contingency.

Don't make your employees indolent, keep the headcount under control.