Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Speed Demon

I hate waiting. I hate slow decision-makers. And I loathe analysis-paralysis. My work life is moving so fast (just like yours is) and I don't want to waste time waiting for decisions to be made so I can get the results I want so badly.

I want it all. I want it all now.

And I absolutely can not stand it when I'm the reason decisions aren't being made.

Speed Kills
In sport speed is the ultimate conqueror. Whether you're the fastest skater on a hockey club, fastest base runner in baseball, or fastest car in qualifying; if no one can catch you, then you're simply unstoppable.

At work, if you're able to be the most productive, and most thorough, and most efficient and also be willing to take calculated risks then you're probably unstoppable too. Unless you go too fast.

There is another meaning to the term speed kills. It has to do with going so fast that even though you've convinced yourself that you're doing the right thing, you've actually overestimated your own skill set and are now heading for disaster. That could be in a car, or during a game, or at work.

How About You
How do you balance the need for timely decision-making and avoiding unnecessary risks? Have you embraced such a risk-averse approach that no one looks to you for leadership; or, are you seen as someone who can understand the dynamics of a situation quickly and actually decide to move through it?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.




photo credit

2 comments:

  1. I believe the effectiveness of our decision making skills depend on which situation we are and a comparison is required. In tight project deadlines sometimes it is difficult to make proper balance of the various options we have in our hands but very often the outcomes are unbelievable.

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    Replies
    1. The situation is a key factor for sure. Good point. Regardless of the timing requirements, I just hope more leaders actually make a decision versus holding out for the perfect (and often long overdue) obvious answer. Thanks for the comment!

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