Which side of going slowly are you on? In today’s fast-paced chaotic world, speed seems to be the name of the game. Going slowly is seen as an inhibitor to progress and subsequently inhibits the success of the business. I would encourage you to look at the advantages and disadvantages of going slowly before coming to the conclusion that speed is what it’s all about.
On one side, going slowly allows for thoughtful consideration to outcomes. We give ourselves the time and opportunity to carefully evaluate the strategic plan. When we go slowly, we prioritize process and pay attention to details, especially those that impact our customers. By going slowly, we can expect less “re-dos” and that saves time, money and human resources.
On the other side, going slowly may mean we miss out on time-sensitive opportunities. We procrastinate and let the obstacles instead of the opportunities rule the day. Going slowly can be rooted in fear and result in indecisiveness. The motivated become unmotivated and start to disengage. If pervasive, slow becomes a cultural mindset and a downward spiral ensues.
ADVANTAGES OF SLOW:
- Deliberate
- Considerate
- Thoughtful
- Strategic
- Even-paced
- Process-oriented
- Observant
- Detailed
- Refined
DISADVANTGES OF SLOW:
- Stuck
- Obstacle-oriented
- Sluggish
- Fearful
- Procrastinates
- Delays
- Indecisive
- Missed opportunities