Stand-Out Performance: "Double-Clicking"

Stand-Out Performance is an article series of no-nonsense, practical, real-world-of-work tips that will elevate your impact.

The business world is notorious for using jargon and phrases that seem odd and unnecessary. When was the last time someone said the phrase "double-click" in a meeting or discussion? Maybe you've heard, "Can we double-click into that topic?" or been asked to "double-click further" into a particular issue. I admit, I've used this phrase! I want to shed light on what it means in practical terms and how this skill can help elevate your impact at work.

"Double-clicking" refers to tapping a computer mouse twice to access folders and documents and navigate your desktop. Double-clicking on the computer takes us from the highest file structure level and helps us go deeper into our endless array of documents to find what matters. Double-clicking the mouse also executes certain functions, like launching an application. In business, double-clicking is critical thinking that leads to meaningful insights, effective problem solving, and actions. When someone uses this phrase at work, they express the need to dig deeper to gain essential details to drive progress. I've observed how executives highly value this skill in their teams.

I recently listened to an older interview with the co-founder of Fitbit, James Park, where he shared the journey to develop the first functional Fitbit tracker. It was a great example of "double-clicking". After presenting a rough prototype at the TechCrunch 50 conference, Fitbit had to manufacture its production run to fulfill a high volume of unanticipated pre-orders. Park shares a story of when he took a tracker to his hotel in Singapore to test it himself. Instead of having radio reception fifteen feet away, the Fitbit only worked within a couple of inches. Why was this happening?

Well, James continued to double-click by opening the device. He noticed the display wire was long, and when packaged in the Fitbit casing, he believed it was touching the radio antenna, creating a signal interference. Improvising, Park placed a small piece of tissue paper to separate the antenna from the display wire. James tested the device again and found that his rudimentary solution did the job and increased the frequency range. The following day, he rushed to the manufacturer to share his findings, and they developed a small rubber component to replicate the function of the piece of tissue. Double-clicking helped launch a successful product. At the height of its success in 2015, Fitbit's valuation was $9.7B. In 2023, Fitbit had 38.5M active users.

In practice, four "Double-clicking" behaviors differentiate stand-out performers...

1.???? Double-click into Metrics – Today, data is essential to managing and leading in business. Often, we review metrics to assess progress, monitor company health, and evaluate decisions. Make it a point to ask critical questions when looking at a metric to get to the right level of insight for your audience. What is potentially driving a metric? What other data do you need to validate your hypothesis? What are the associated benchmarks or comparisons to help gauge if the metric is trending positively or negatively? James Park knew the radio reception distance was off and began to ask the critical questions.?

2.???? Double-click to find Root Causes - Metrics might tell us something significant is happening, but finding out why requires further quantitative analysis, qualitative research, and exploration. Avoid jumping to solutions too soon and gather an appropriate amount of insight. Park opened the device and looked deeper into the problem to identify a root cause. In your context, gathering additional data could be beneficial, as could conducting a 5-whys exercise or interviewing frontline employees.

3.???? Double-click to validate Assumptions – Validate assumptions by inspecting work and observing things first-hand as a leader. Park realized they were creating something new, and the manufacturer had to make a custom build process. Small microcontrollers, radio capabilities, and seamless data transfer created quite the challenge. So, what did James do? He often flew to Singapore and Indonesia to inspect product runs and help with the design. He knew he had to "double-click" into the manufacturing process to solve problems faster and guide the process.

4.???? Double-click into Next Steps – Take the time to think through the steps to execute ideas, solutions, and recommendations. One thing I've learned working with top executives is they value MOMENTUM. ?Our presentations might not share how analysis or ideas will move into action. For example, I've seen "further planning" as the next step. Sometimes, further planning is needed; however, refine your actions with milestones and a level of detail that shows proactive thinking. Avoid "planning to plan" and aim to be more straightforward about execution.

It's important to note that these behaviors can lead to over-analysis if not managed effectively. Practice striking a balance between thorough investigation and timely decision-making.

Even though it is corporate jargon, "double-clicking" can differentiate you by showcasing your critical thinking and strategic problem-solving skills. You can uncover hidden opportunities, prevent potential problems, and make more informed decisions, ultimately leading to better business impact.