Strategic Speed: Post #3--The Strategic Trap

Strategic Trap: Overattention to pace. Often leaders try to speed up strategy by looking at it as a mechanical issue. So, they try to manipulate processes, systems and technology. Leaders think that by telling people to just “speed up” and do everything faster, or skip over important steps, that strategic speed is magically reached. Wrong. One example they use around process is one I’ve experienced over my many years on college campuses. The contractors build buildings. Then they lay concrete walkways. But after 6 months you begin to see people making their own shorter paths in the grass. People trump process and artificial speed anytime. Better to construct a new building and wait 6 months for a guide about where to build sidewalks!