"We don't need to do it right now."
"We don't see any need for urgency."
"We can just wait a while"
"Why can't we wait until we know more?"
'These are some of the worst phrases used in the world of business today. With almost 30 years in spending time with organizations on their missions of innovation and creativity, I can look back at those where this attitude was rampant at a leadership level - and see that those very organizations are still spinning their wheels.
A lack of urgency in the presence of velocity is the cardinal sin of failed leadership. It indicates a team or individual doesn't have a clear understanding of the disruptive nature of what comes next, and as a result, believes that they can simply wait it out. I What does it mean when your CEO says we don't need to do it right now? It means you are in pretty big trouble - here's why:
- they don't know what's next
- they don't want to know what's next
- they refuse to accept what's next
- they don't believe the imminence of what's next
- they don't think there is any hurry to deal with what's next
- their arrogance blinds them as to what's next
- they are in a state of denial as to the scope of what's next
- they are totally wrong about the speed of disruptive change with what's next
- their age gives them a poor filter to understand what's next.
Tell me if you disagree! You can't! With this type of mindset, many organizations have failed ingrained at the top!
Some months back, I hit my virtual broadcast studio to film a clip about hubris. Tell me that you aren't surrounded by this challenge. I dare you to do it - right now!