Making the Right Moves: Timing is Everything
When we want to achieve a goal or complete a project, we understand that it is vital to make the right decisions along the way. If we make poor choices, we may never get where we want to go.
However, it’s important to remember that the decisions we make and the actions we take are not the only things that matter. Timing is equally important.
Think about applying sunscreen. If you’re about to head to the beach, putting on sunscreen is a good idea. If you’re about to go to bed, it’s a waste of time.
Timing matters. Poor timing turns what would otherwise be a good idea into a bad one.
Timing is important in the office, too. Take a look at the following three examples to gain a better understanding of the impact timing can have on our small, medium, and large decisions:
Example 1: How Timing Can Impact Small Decisions
A colleague bombed an important presentation and is feeling distraught about it. You decide to offer them some advice that will help them do better next time.
If you offer that advice in the immediate aftermath of their failed presentation, they’re likely to get demoralized or defensive and they just wouldn't be able to take it in.
However, if you wait a few days to offer your assistance, they’re likely to be a lot more receptive.
Example 2: How Timing Can Impact Medium Decisions
Your business had a rough year and you decide it’s time for an internal reorganization - but your team is currently busy working on several company-wide initiatives.
If you push forward with the reorg now, it’s likely to have a negative impact on those initiatives. As a result, you may overwhelm your employees with change fatigue.
However, if you wait a few months to initiate the reorg, your employees will be less busy and the process will run much more smoothly.
Example 3: How Timing Can Impact Large Decisions
You are presented with an opportunity to purchase a competing business. The acquisition would increase your market share, but you don’t currently have the funds required to seal the deal.
You decide you want to move forward with the acquisition.
If you wait a few months until you have the cash on hand to complete the purchase, it’s likely the other party will have found another buyer in the interim.
However, if you obtain financing from your bank and work to finalize the acquisition immediately, you won’t need to worry about interference from other buyers.
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About The Author
Emily Sander is an ICF-certified leadership coach with more than 15 years of experience in the business world and the author of Hacking Executive Leadership. She’s been featured in several print publications, online articles, and podcasts, including CEO Today Magazine, Leading to Fulfillment, and Leadership Powered by Common Sense.
Emily has a passion for helping business leaders reach their full potential. Go here to read her story from seasoned executive to knowledgeable coach. If you want to send Emily a quick message, then visit her contact page here.