Stop wasting time on maybe
As a consultant and coach, I’m hyper-exposed to organizations wanting to perform at a higher level. The same is true of individuals who want more for their careers & lives.
But one thing I find amazing is how much time they’re wasting on maybe.
One example is a team vetting the feasibility of new technology and going through extensive research to understand cost and implementation details. After months of discovery, they present their careful analysis to executives for review and approval.
And…
It doesn’t get approved. The cost and complexity are perceived to outweigh the benefits.
Meanwhile, this creates distraction and overcommitment for resources who are supposed to be working on projects already approved. In other words, they put the yes on hold to work on a maybe.
On an individual level this happens, too. People are unclear whether they should invest in a course, coach, or degree. They extensively research their options to make a decision.
And…
They decide not to move forward. The uncertainty of positive outcomes doesn’t justify the expense.
Meanwhile, this creates distraction and overcommitment for them, and they end up half-assing things they already said yes to.
It’s easy to read both examples and ask, “But Chris, isn’t it important to be thoughtful and diligent in decision making?”
Of course!
However, consider this: if you aren’t confident and passionate that something is worth doing, the maybe process is wasting time.
The question worth asking is, “Why is this idea worth doing … right now?” Putting an urgent lens on something is a quick and easy way to dismiss 80% of the ideas that’ll waste time.
Yes, there are many important things we could be doing. Unfortunately, “important” isn’t a powerful enough filter. We have to decide if something is important AND urgent.
When execs agree a business problem/opportunity is important AND urgent, they don’t bog teams down with bureaucracy before investing in new tech. They get right to it and mobilize the resources needed to succeed.
When an individual decides they’re tired of being stuck on a dead-end road in their career, they hit the go button and start investing in themselves immediately.
So, the next time you’re at the intersection of Yes & Maybe, ask yourself the question above. Don’t waste your team’s time or yours on things that mildly matter … go all in on the things that do!
Your coach,
Chris
