How to Be Agile (Without Being Reckless)

“Move fast and break things.”

That’s what everyone says. But let’s be honest—most teams break things… and never fix them.

I’ve seen it happen.

A leader wants speed. So they launch projects before they’re ready. They skip strategy and go straight to execution. They make decisions based on urgency, not impact.

Then?

They spend months cleaning up the mess. Fixing what went wrong. Explaining why things didn’t work.

Moving fast isn’t the problem. Moving without thinking is.

Speed Without Strategy = Chaos

Most leaders assume they have to pick one:

• Be fast. Get things done. Take risks. Figure it out later.
• Be careful. Think through every decision. Avoid costly mistakes.

But agility isn’t about choosing one over the other. It’s about knowing when to speed up and when to slow down.

The best leaders move fast, but they do it with control.

The Three Rules of Smart Agility

1?? Speed up when learning is cheap.

• Testing a new idea? Move fast.
• Trying a new tool? Move fast.
• Running a small experiment? Move fast.

Early mistakes don’t cost much. The longer you wait, the more expensive they become.

2?? Slow down when the stakes are high.

• Hiring someone? Take your time.
• Changing your business model? Think it through.
• Making a big financial decision? Gather the facts.

Slowing down here isn’t hesitation—it’s precision.

3?? Always create a safety net.

• Set limits: “We’ll test this for 30 days, then decide.”
• Build escape routes: “If this doesn’t work, here’s our backup plan.”
• Learn as you go: “What’s one insight we can take from this, no matter what happens?”

Moving fast doesn’t mean jumping without a parachute.

What I Teach Leaders About Agility

In my workshops, I challenge leaders to practice controlled speed.

One of my favorite exercises?

Mini-Workshop: The Fast vs. Slow Decision Test

1. Give your team a list of decisions (big and small).
2. Ask: Which ones should we move fast on? Which ones need more thought?
3. Have them explain why.
4. Compare answers—did they prioritize the right ones?

This forces leaders to stop and think: Are we rushing what needs time? Are we overthinking what should move?

That’s the key to real agility.

Your Move

Where do you need to slow down right now? Where should you be moving faster?

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

And if you want daily insights on thinking bigger, moving faster, and leading smarter, subscribe to Unwritten Playbook.

(Learn about Jef at jefmenguin.com)