The Art of Getting Sh*t Done: Balancing Speed and Deliberation in Business

In today's fast-paced business world, the mantra of "getting sh*t done" has become increasingly prevalent. More often than not, the pressure to deliver results quickly is a top priority, especially when it comes to major initiatives like adopting new technologies or overhauling operations. However, I've also learned that true efficiency and effectiveness often require a more nuanced approach – one that balances the need for speed with the wisdom of slowing down at crucial moments.

The Imperative of Action

Let's face it: in business, action is essential. Markets move quickly, competitors innovate relentlessly, and customer expectations evolve rapidly. The ability to execute swiftly can be the difference between leading the pack and falling behind. This is particularly true regarding significant operational changes or technological adoptions.

Consider the recent widespread shift to remote work and digital collaboration tools. Companies that moved quickly to implement these changes found themselves better positioned to weather the storm of global disruption. Those who hesitated or moved too slowly often struggled to maintain productivity and retain talent.

The need for speed in such scenarios is clear. When a new technology emerges that could dramatically improve efficiency, reduce costs, or open new market opportunities, there's a compelling argument for rapid adoption. Delays can mean lost competitive advantage or missed opportunities.

Moreover, in many cases, the process of "getting sh*t done" creates its own momentum. Teams rally around clear objectives, energy builds as progress is made, and the organization develops a can-do attitude that can be invaluable in facing future challenges.

The Paradox of Slowing Down

However, as counterintuitive as it may seem, there are times when slowing down is the fastest way to get things done. This isn't about procrastination or unnecessary delay; it's about strategic pauses that allow for better decision-making and more effective execution.

A LinkedIn post I shared recently resonated strongly with many professionals, highlighting this very point. It began with a simple yet powerful statement: "We need to slow down." The post went on to describe the relentless pressure we face to hurry through life's milestones – rushing to get into college, graduate, find a job, get promoted, start a family, accumulate wealth. This constant rush, I argued, often prevents us from being truly present and can be detrimental when tackling major projects at work.

The key insight is this: when we're always looking ahead to the next target, we miss what's right in front of us.?

In a business context, this can lead to hasty decisions, overlooked details, and missed opportunities. By contrast, taking a moment to pause, reflect, and fully engage with the present situation can provide clarity and lead to more thoughtful, effective actions.

Consider a major technological implementation. The pressure to "get it done" quickly can be intense. However, rushing headlong into such a project without adequate planning, stakeholder engagement, and consideration of potential pitfalls can lead to costly mistakes, resistance from employees, and ultimately, failure to achieve the desired outcomes.

By hitting the brakes and being fully present, even for a moment, we gain the clarity needed to thoughtfully consider the situation before us. This allows us to anticipate challenges, develop more robust strategies, and ultimately execute more effectively.

Striking the Balance to Get Sh*t Done

The art of getting sh*t done, then, lies in striking the right balance between action and reflection, between speed and deliberation. Here are some strategies I've found effective:

1. Prioritize ruthlessly: Not everything needs to be done immediately. Focus on what truly matters and what will have the most significant impact.

2. Plan thoroughly, but don't get stuck in analysis paralysis: Take the time to develop a solid plan, but don't let perfect be the enemy of good.

3. Create space for reflection: Build in regular pauses to assess progress, learn from mistakes, and adjust course as needed.

4. Engage stakeholders early and often: Taking the time to involve key players can save time and resources in the long run by ensuring buy-in and surfacing potential issues early.

5. Foster a culture of mindful action: Encourage your team to be both action-oriented and thoughtful. Reward not just speed, but also quality and innovation.

6. Practice personal mindfulness: As a leader, your ability to be present and focused sets the tone for your entire organization.

The Power of Presence

One of the most powerful insights from my LinkedIn post was this: "Real progress comes from being grounded in the here and now, soaking in the details surrounding you. Only then can you successfully navigate each step with purpose."

This applies as much to major business initiatives as it does to personal goals. When we're fully present, we're better able to:

• Identify subtle but crucial details that might otherwise be overlooked
• Recognize emerging opportunities or threats
• Make more informed, contextually appropriate decisions
• Build stronger relationships with team members and stakeholders
• Foster creativity and innovation

Being present allows us to get sh*t done.

Getting Sh*t Done = Mindful Execution

The phrase "getting sh*t done" might suggest a brute force approach to business challenges. However, true effectiveness often requires a more nuanced strategy. Yes, there are times when speed is of the essence and decisive action is required. But there are also moments when slowing down, even briefly, can lead to better outcomes and more sustainable success.

As leaders, our job is to cultivate the wisdom to know the difference. We need to create cultures that value both action and reflection, that can move swiftly when required but also pause to ensure we're moving in the right direction.

So the next time you feel that urge to hurry, I encourage you to resist it. Slow down, even if just briefly. Be present. Soak in the details. You may be surprised at how much more effective you are at achieving your professional and organizational goals.

In the end, truly getting sh*t done isn't just about speed – it's about mindful, purposeful execution that drives real, lasting results.