#3 Optimization Defined

 When it comes to Numbers That Work, you'll hear a great deal about optimization. So, let's take a deeper dive into what optimization really means.

#OPTIMIZE - Defined – So what does Optimize mean?

Of course, I had to Google it (so old school versus asking AI to write an article about how a business can optimize itself).

The Cambridge Dictionary:

to make something as good as possible.

Wow, that was underwhelming. I thought an outfit like the Cambridge Dictionary would have a more sophisticated or literary definition than “to make something as good as possible”. (Hilariously, the website was literally surrounded by “Big Mac ‘or’ 'Double Cheeseburger order in the app ads'. I promise I haven't been searching for fast food on my computer but apparently the algorithms know I'm hungry before I was even aware!

Ok, let's check in with the Merriam-Webster Dictionary:

Optimize: to make as perfect, effective, or functional as possible.

(mmm, better I guess.)

How about Oxford Languages:

Optimize: Make the best or most effective use of (a situation, opportunity, or resource).

Bingo. That’s It. Me like that!

Regardless of the various definitions, notice three key words pop up: “make” “effective” and “possible” in there so you could say, "make [XYZ] as effective as possible" where XYZ could be defined as "work", "life", "the business" to what is possible (as opposed to impossible).

On final thought: "optimization" can mean different things to different industries. "Make as effective as possible" has a very different definition for your local fast food restaurant which might be "make fries fresh" or "reduce food waste" (McDonald's again?!) versus an airline where optimization means zero crashes. “Good as possible” means not crashing the plane or at least, “not put passengers, crew or themselves at risk” or “follow procedures 100% of the time (not 88%)”.