Delaying Implementation Isn’t Always the Best Idea

I found myself on a six-hour train ride today from the Boston area to the Philadelphia area. This provided me an opportunity to get into a deep conversation with a gentleman next to me.  We exchange pleasantries and then discussed our careers and current work. When he learned that I am helping leaders with coaching and strategic initiatives, he asked for my opinion on an initiative he was hoping to start. 

After hearing him describe with multiple details, his plan, the challenges, and the pitfalls, I had one question. “Why is now the right time to launch this initiative?”

He went on to detail the number of stops and starts, the delays and missteps, and how he felt what he had learned along the way about his team and himself, it was time to launch.  As a caveat, he shared that the bigger change needed couldn’t happen because the investment needed in time and effort would be substantial and now was not the time for that to happen. 

“Interesting. What is really needed cannot happen so doing something in the short term may be the Band-Aid needed and not the complete overhaul required.” He was amused by my candor. 

I went on to challenge his thinking, encouraged him to remember that if he did not have the time now, would he have the time later to do the work necessary in the first place to secure the solution his business needed.  

It’s a reminder that in leadership, short term solutions do not necessarily guarantee long-term gains. Consider all your options, stay brave in your leadership choices, and strategically move your business in the direction that secures its longevity and sustainability.

Those brave choices may include a fundamental shift that needs to happen now because delaying implementation isn’t saving you time or money; it’s costing you everything.