“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Nelson Mandela
Have you ever been in the situation where things are moving so slowly that it feels like nothing will ever get done? That time drags on and more reasons are found NOT to do something? That the focus has shifted to the negative instead of accomplishing the work that needs to happen?
Look in the mirror and ensure that you are ready to say that “the time for planning, thinking, debating, arguing and talking has passed. It is time to execute.” Hold yourself accountable for creating action, not debating the merits of action.
3 Responses
I’m sending emails over now with “speed kills” when I can see that if my team doesn’t push, the time wasted will cause the project to go sideways. It’s sometimes faster to decide, and if wrong, pivot, then to wait.
Chris, I could not agree more. I would rather be 80% right and make a fast decision, and then be able to react and change if it is wrong. If I get the next decision 80% right that is OK. My overall odds of sustainable success continue to improve as long as speed and agility remain paramount.
Think of the math here. If the first decision goes sideways but I have an overall 80% success rate based on speed and agility there is an 80% chance of success on the next decision variable. 80% of the 20% failure from the first cycle is 16 points. Overall there is a 96% chance of success within two decision cycles as long as speed of decision making is prioritized.
Of course, you have to have a clear understanding of the risks involved with any decision.
The first question I always ask my team with any key decision is “what is the absolute worst that can happen? Will anyone die or willwill this put our business in jeopardy of survival?”
Once you understand the worst possible outcome you are prepared to move fast if you see it going south.
I learned a long while ago, plan A and plan B. Possibly even a C. So if things go wrong, pivot to the second best choice. It motivates the risk of standing with your hands in the air. And you asked that same question to me on my smoking. “What’s the worst thing that can happen if you quit, and if you don’t?”