P/PC Balance

The 7 Habits are also habits of effectiveness. Effectiveness is the result of a balance known as the P/PC balance. P stands for production of desired results. PC stands for production capability, the ability or asset that produces the golden egg. The essence of effectiveness is the balance between the short-term and the long-term.

For example, for a piece of machinery, P is the machine itself. PC is the regular maintenance required. If we concentrate on high P (production levels) at the expense of PC (regular maintenance), we have short-term gains at the expense of long term productivity. Long-term success requires maintaining a proper P/PC balance. Both are necessary, and both need to be addressed.

“That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only which gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price on its goods.”

— Thomas Paine