Overfunctioning creates underfunctioning.
What is “overfunctioning”? I looked it up and came up with nothing in the dictionary. It is not an official word. Even though it is not a word, is a word I use a lot.
So here is my definition of “overfunctioning”. It means doing more for another person than they actually need. It means doing so much that the other person really doesn’t have to do anything. If someone asks you for help and you do more than help, you actually do that work then you are overfunctioning.
What is wrong with this? In the short run and in certain situations it isn’t too harmful. Let’s face it, overfunctioners make great employees. They are thorough, reliable, and conscientious. The work of an overfunctioner is usually impeccable.
In the long run, there is a lot wrong with overfunctioning. Eventually the overfunctioner gets tired and frustrated and feels under appreciated. By their very nature, overfunctioners get very little recognition for their toil. Even more importantly overfunctioners create underfunctioners. Underfunctioners are people who learn to do less. Why would an underfunctioner do more when they can rely on the overfunctioner to do it for them? Underfunctioners regress and become less effective and less engaged. They lose their skills. Everyone loses.
