The Impact of Urgency on Operations That Go Wrong

Urgency is the number one enemy of successful operations. When things have to be done quickly, there is often a lack of planning and foresight, which can lead to subpar results. Operations gone wrong are usually the result of someone not taking the time to think through all the potential outcomes and plan accordingly.

How Can Urgency Affect Operations?

Pressure to meet deadlines can lead to mistakes in operations. This is because people are more likely to make mistakes when they are hurried. It's important to remember that taking the time to assess a situation and make a thoughtful decision is usually the best course of action, even if it means taking a bit longer in the moment.

What are Some Examples of How Urgency Can Affect Operations?

Urgency can also cause problems in operations by causing people to make decisions that are not in the best interests of the business. Here at The True North Consulting, we have several examples of client stories that we want to share where when people are pressed for time, they have had problems with quality, cost, and delivery. For example, we recently met with a client that was in need of different PowerPoints monthly and contracted a young lady to fulfill this need. This client was paying a recurring 4K on this service because initially she needed this service executed quickly, and kept the contractor on retainer because of the convenience and not wanting to look for another hire.

As you think about expense management and team productivity, think about where, when, and why you are hiring so you don't overspend because you are hiring out of urgency. During our consulting sessions, we analyzed this client's operational tech stack, team members and their roles and responsibilities, and was able to save her several thousand per month (and found her another contracted at a much more reasonable price for her PowerPoints).

Conclusion

Urgency can cause people to take shortcuts or make careless mistakes. They may also fail to communicate properly, which can lead to misunderstandings and errors. In some cases, people may be so focused on meeting a deadline that they do not take the time to consider the long-term impacts of their decisions. While there are times when urgency is necessary, it is important to balance it with other considerations. Taking a few extra minutes to plan and communicate can save hours (and thousands of dollars) down the road.

At The True North Consulting, we pride ourselves leading our clients to a net profit improvement of 25% through expense reduction with a team blueprint that optimizes team execution. We are confident that your blueprint will give you everything you need to succeed in leading your company to your desired future state. Consider consulting with The True North for your profit improvements today.