"Eliminating Waste" is Meaningless

When someone says they're going to "eliminate waste" what does that mean? Whether it's a business executive, a political leader, or someone in between saying it, they usually mean that they're going to remove things that aren't adding value. It's usually said in such a way as to shut down disagreement. I mean, who would come out in support of waste? What it should do, though, is beg the question, "What do you mean by 'waste'?"

Everyone's definition of waste is different, so claiming to be in favor of "eliminating waste" simply allows everyone hearing it to define "waste" in a way that is meaningful to them. It's a reflection of individual values: What one person sees as critical, another sees as waste. Consider corporate travel spending as an example. Is it a waste, or is it critical? It depends on who you ask and what it's for. The same goes for training, employee perks, and many other expenditures.

We let executives say their goal is "eliminating waste" and we nod and smile and think, "Yeah! It's about time!!" without know what they mean by that, what they value, and what they consider waste. Without those details, it's basically meaningless propaganda...