5 Ways “Strategic Subtraction” Can Help Small Businesses Thrive

In times of uncertainty, leaders often look for ways to do more. But a November 2025 Harvard Business Review article, “In Turbulent Times, Consider Strategic Subtraction,” suggests that doing less may be a more effective approach. The key, though, is to approach it intentionally. The authors encourage businesses to weigh any subtractive measures, such as cost-cutting or streamlining operations, against long-term goals that build “efficiency, resilience, and visibility.”

For small-business owners, the approach can be transformative, streamlining operations without sacrificing agility, customer experience, or relevance. Here are five effective ways to put this concept into practice: 

1. Reexamine long-standing processes.

Systems that have been in place for a long time often hide layers of inefficiency. Over the years, employees may patch issues with quick fixes that add unnecessary complexity and create new inefficiencies. Investing the time to deconstruct and rebuild processes can feel uncomfortable in the short term, but it yields lasting benefits: greater flexibility, clearer operations, and a more resilient, high-functioning business.  

2. Treat meetings as an investment.

A senior executive I once worked with shared a memorable insight: the true cost of a one-hour meeting is the combined hourly rate of everyone in the room. Factor in the opportunity cost of delayed decisions, and the real price tag can be significant.

Leaders can reclaim focus by setting clear objectives, time limits, and follow-up actions. Cancel recurring meetings that lack purpose, invite only essential participants, and document decisions to maintain momentum and prevent unnecessary delays. Every meeting should create value and build the team’s confidence and effectiveness—not drain their energy.

3. Clarify roles to reduce friction.

As businesses evolve and staff change, roles often shift without a formal reevaluation of responsibilities. This ambiguity can quietly undermine productivity, accountability, and morale, while preventing employees from receiving the recognition and compensation they’ve earned.

Revisit job functions at least annually, or more often during periods of rapid change. Clear role definitions can prevent overlap, confusion, and potential conflict. They also build confidence, stability, and a culture of trust and ownership.

4. Streamline communication systems.

When updates come through Slack, text, email, and in-person conversations, collaboration becomes chaotic. The result is often missed information, duplicated effort, and unnecessary frustration.

Conduct a brief communication audit to determine how information flows through your team and eliminate unnecessary channels. Then, establish a unified plan for where and how specific types of communication should occur. The result is less repetition, fewer bottlenecks, and more meaningful progress.

5. Stop spending time on tasks that don’t play to your strengths.

Many small-business owners fall into the trap of “wearing too many hats.” One creative entrepreneur I worked with excelled at sales, brand strategy, and big-picture vision, but she was spending 20+ hours a week buried in administrative tasks. Once she delegated these responsibilities to her detail-oriented assistant, both her revenue and her energy soared. Effective delegation allows leaders to focus on what drives the greatest value while enabling others to excel at tasks they enjoy and do well. 

“Strategic subtraction” isn’t about cutting for the sake of cutting. It’s about creating space to think more clearly, act intentionally, and pave the way for long-term growth. 

How are you simplifying your business to stay strong through uncertainty?