This describes almost every guy I’ve ever met who’s ultimately successful in white-collar business:
Most leaders we encounter have every minute of their calendars filled, typically with meetings and emails they write in between, often on the run. But relentless demands and the pressure to respond rapidly undermine more complex thinking. Critical as decisiveness can be, nuanced solutions emerge from wrestling with the most difficult issues, rather than prematurely closing in on a decision.
№1: no shit, and no one truly seems to understand this. It never changes. People just block their entire calendars, rush around to meetings and sending emails, burn themselves out, go to a “three-day offsite,” supposedly recharge with some consultants, and do the exact same thing again within 72 hours. It’s completely pointless at some level.
№2: Business is really about “reaction vs. response.”
Aren’t those the same thing?
Good Lord no.
Reaction is what most managers do — BANG BANG BANG QUICK EMAIL FIRE OFF BECAUSE NOW I AM VIEWED AS COMPETENT AND DECISIVE.
Response is what good leaders do — “OK, this is a complex issue and it has long-term implications for this business unit. I need to get the right people involved and think on this and…
