💎 Getting Rid of Bloat

Have you ever opened a closet, only to realize it’s packed with things you no longer need or even remember owning? That’s what business bloat looks like—except instead of taking up physical space, it clutters your processes, products, and focus.

Every company accumulates bloat over time. It can start innocently enough: a process added to “streamline” communication, a feature built for that one high-profile client, or a meeting that made sense six months ago but now feels like a weekly chore.

Getting rid of bloat isn’t just about cleaning house—it’s about making room for what matters most.

Years ago, I worked at a startup that prided itself on moving fast. But as we grew, our speed started to slow. What used to be simple—launching a feature, deciding on priorities—became a drawn-out process. We had added layers of approvals, extra team meetings, and countless “nice-to-have” features to our product.

We didn’t notice the problem at first because everything felt important. But as deadlines slipped and morale dipped, it became clear: we were drowning in complexity.

Spotting Bloat in Your Business

Bloat is sneaky. It hides in places you don’t immediately think to look. Here are some common culprits:

• Meetings that lack focus or purpose. If you’ve ever sat through a meeting wondering, “Why am I here?” that’s a red flag.

• Overloaded product roadmaps. When every feature becomes a priority, none of them really are.

• Redundant processes. Do you have two tools doing the same job? Or three approval steps for decisions that don’t need them?

• Metrics that don’t matter. Not every KPI is critical. Tracking too many can dilute your focus.

The first step in eliminating bloat is recognizing where it’s hiding.

Why Bloat Happens

Bloat doesn’t come from laziness; it comes from good intentions. We add processes to fix problems, features to please customers, and meetings to ensure alignment. But without regular pruning, these additions pile up until they’re no longer serving us.

I’ve seen companies fall into what I call the “just-in-case” trap. They add things “just in case” they’re needed later—only to discover those extras have become obstacles to progress.

Leaning Into the Essentials

Getting rid of bloat doesn’t mean cutting for the sake of cutting. It’s about being intentional with your resources, time, and focus. Here’s how to start:

1. Ask “Why?” Relentlessly.
   When evaluating a process, meeting, or feature, ask: Why does this exist? If the answer isn’t crystal clear—or if it’s based on outdated assumptions—it might be time to let it go.

2. Focus on Outcomes, Not Activities.
   I once worked with a team that spent hours each week preparing detailed reports for leadership. When we dug deeper, we realized the reports weren’t being used to make decisions—they were just “nice to have.” By shifting to a simpler format, the team saved time and focused on higher-value work.

3. Empower Teams to Simplify.
   Sometimes, bloat sticks around because no one feels empowered to challenge it. Make it safe for your team to question processes and suggest cuts.

After we decluttered at the startup, the difference was night and day. Teams moved faster. Deadlines were hit. And perhaps most importantly, people felt less overwhelmed and more focused.

Cutting bloat isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating clarity and alignment. When your team can focus on what truly matters, they’re not just more productive; they’re more engaged and innovative.

Getting rid of bloat is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It requires regular reflection, tough decisions, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. But the reward? A leaner, more agile business that’s primed for growth.

So, take a moment to look at your business. What’s cluttering your path to progress? And more importantly, what are you going to do about it? And if you want some help, let’s connect and discuss how we can collaborate to achieve your company’s success.

Onwards,