Which term best describes achieving maximum productivity with minimal wasted effort?

The term that best describes achieving maximum productivity with minimal wasted effort is "efficient." Efficiency refers to the ability to accomplish a task using the least amount of resources—time, effort, or materials—while still achieving the desired outcome. This concept is crucial in various settings, including business processes, project management, and personal productivity, as it emphasizes the importance of doing things right and optimizing performance.

For instance, in an administrative role, being efficient means completing tasks quickly and correctly, allowing more time for other responsibilities or initiatives without compromising quality. Efficiency often leads to cost savings, improved workflow, and overall enhanced performance.

The other options suggest different aspects of work and productivity: "effective" emphasizes achieving desired results, "productive" refers to the overall output and quantity of work produced, and "creative" focuses on originality and innovation. While all these concepts are important in the workplace, none specifically addresses the balance of high output with low input, which is the essence of efficiency.