Let’s talk about the concept of the Strategic Pause:
The problem with hasty decisions
The English say “Look Before You Leap,” and ours (in Poland) is not too different:
– “Think first, act later.”
Agility is one thing, but diving into action without a strategy is like jumping without a parachute.
In the constant whirlwind of business activities, it’s easy to mistake busyness for productivity.
Stay agile, they say. Adapt swiftly!
Yet agility without due diligence is a straight path to trouble.
We live in a culture that praises non-stop activity. The faster and more we do, the more we feel accomplished. But here’s the catch – snap decisions without a clear direction can be risky.
In business, this often manifests as incoherent actions, distracted focus, and ultimately, wasting resources on initiatives that don’t align with the company’s primary goals.
It’s a bit like gambling – it might work once in a hundred… (𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩! 😉)
Imagine rushing full speed only to realize you’re on the wrong track. Making quick decisions – OK – pivoting is normal in the VUCA world. But over time, you may find the environment changing, not necessarily in your favor. Another miss. Wasted time and often money. We’re going in circles, but the expected “win” is still out there, just not here.
Did I miss something? Overlook anything?
Think fast, then act
One of my favorite authors, Mark Chussil, wrote in his article for Harvard Business Review titled “Slow Deciders Make Better Strategists“:
“There’s a difference between someone who is confident after careful thought, and someone who is confident making a decision without thought.”
Therefore, the old wisdom “Think first, act later” increases your chances that each leap brings you closer to your goal instead of into a new mess.
The solution? – Strategic Pause
That’s where the practice of a Strategic Pause comes in.
Take one day a week for a “helicopter view” to evaluate actions and ensure they align with the broader vision.
– What challenges will your company face in the coming months?
– How do you plan to tackle them?
– How will competitors react to your offerings? Are you ready for that?
– Talk to customers, ask for their feedback, and truly listen.
– What do they need and how can we adjust our offering to better meet their needs?
Such “Strategic Pauses” will provide more actionable insights than frantically jumping from one opportunity to the next!
And one more quote from the same article: “Not so fast, (…) take your time and don’t be so sure.”
… or find at least one hour
OK – If you can’t afford a whole day, find at least one hour. It’s a good start! 😎
And by the way – I’m offering an hour of free 1:1 consultation.
This could be your chance for a Strategic Pause! Check out!
Shouldn’t your next jump be not just quick, but far-reaching?
You may also be interested in Seven Mistakes That Cause Resistance in Strategy