Stop Rushing, Start Enriching

Leaders are telling me they are concerned about getting projects done as quickly as possible without consideration of medium or long term implications. There’s a belief that everyone must move faster, do more. The message is: deliver quick solutions, get it done, check the box. (Think Boeing 737 MAX door plug.)

The frantic pace of decision-making may create an illusion of progress, but at what cost? The business impacts are many: a dip in the quality of work, reduced customer satisfaction, heightened risk of employee burnout, and a gradual erosion of strategic vision, standards, and even brand reputation. In addition, this race against time could result in higher expenses, drained resources, and ultimately, more time consumed to rectify short-sighted decisions.

In The New York Times this past weekend, Melissa Kirsch's thought-provoking piece, "Why we can't stop rushing" challenged this concept. Kirsch warns against the hasty quest for immediate resolution, cautioning that our fixation on settling things quickly often neglects the necessity of deliberation. Melissa calls out that the Silicon Valley adage "Done is better than perfect" may not align with situations where "done" falls short of the goal. The strategic pause, as Kirsch suggests, not only creates breathing room but also stands as a buffer against potential missteps. So, let's challenge the norm: stop rushing, start enriching. 

Here's the bottom line question: Are you ready to recalibrate your leadership drive for excellence over expediency?

In Leadership coaching, embracing a more measured approach can be transformative. There is immense value in pausing, reflecting, and realigning focus. Such coaching sessions can serve to refine strategies and sharpen priorities. Giving yourself the time and investing in Leadership coaching can lead to a surge in clarity and precision—key drivers of sustainable success.