Small change: jump to the answer

“If I gave you five hours to chop down a tree, you’d spend the first four sharpening the axe.” What makes this analogy interesting isn’t its common interpretation. It’s the assertion that detailed preparation isn’t smart.

The best change processes require a delicate balance. On the one hand, there’s a need for agility; analysis paralysis is the rigor mortis of the corporate world. On the other, rigour is the bare minimum that employees should expect from their decision-makers. Careers and livelihoods depend on it.

One way to get the balance right is to play a game called “jump to the answer”. Imagine you have an hour to write that strategy, nail that budget, or lay out that comms plan. Then do it. Now go back and plan it properly — really sharpen that axe. Finally, compare your two answers. The process will have much to teach you.

Something to consider: what would I do if crunch time was only an hour away?

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