Slow Down to Speed Up
The tortoise wins. Seriously.
So often, leaders ask their teams to move quickly without looking into whether or not their teams have the resources they need to move fast successfully. And demanding speed from unprepared teams is like asking someone to run a marathon without training.
I've learned that truly effective leaders invest in three foundations before expecting velocity:
1️⃣ First, capability - ensuring your team has the skills, tools, and resources to execute excellently.
2️⃣ Second, contentment - creating an environment where people feel valued and motivated.
3️⃣ And third, clarity - making sure everyone understands not just what they’re doing, but why it matters.
When these three elements are in place, speed happens naturally. Teams move with purpose rather than just frenetic activity.
Sometimes you need to slow down first and take time to build these foundations - have those deeper conversations, invest in your people.
The teams that appear to be "moving too slowly" today might be the ones who sprint past everyone tomorrow.
What foundations are you building for your team's success?