Why Waiting for the Perfect Answer Won’t Get Us Anywhere
Making
decisions is a lot like standing on a platform watching trains come and go.
Some people hop on right away, trusting the journey, while others linger,
waiting until every single passenger has the “perfect” ticket, the “right”
seat, and maybe even a snack. We’ve all been there—on the sidelines, debating
every little detail. But as technologists, we need to be willing to jump on
board, even if every “perfect” answer hasn’t arrived yet. Let’s talk about why
this matters, and what it means for us as a team to embrace constructive
confrontation, “disagree and commit,” and learn to board without delay.
Constructive
Confrontation: The Real Conversation, Not a Shouting Match
Constructive confrontation is like that friend who insists on checking everyone’s travel itinerary. It’s not about fighting over who has the window seat; it’s about saying, “I see your point, but what if we’re off track?” Productive disagreements bring every voice to the platform (literally and figuratively) so that we can choose the best train, together.
I know, “confrontation” can sound like we’re preparing for a clash, but here, it’s just honest communication. It’s the courage to say, “I’m not sure about this,” or, “How about another angle?” Constructive confrontation is simply offering up your perspective for the good of the team. Picture it like this: we’re debating the 10:10 or 10:30 departure for our project’s next phase. Constructive confrontation gives us a holistic view of options and stops us from riding the rails based on assumptions.
Constructive confrontation is like that friend who insists on checking everyone’s travel itinerary. It’s not about fighting over who has the window seat; it’s about saying, “I see your point, but what if we’re off track?” Productive disagreements bring every voice to the platform (literally and figuratively) so that we can choose the best train, together.
I know, “confrontation” can sound like we’re preparing for a clash, but here, it’s just honest communication. It’s the courage to say, “I’m not sure about this,” or, “How about another angle?” Constructive confrontation is simply offering up your perspective for the good of the team. Picture it like this: we’re debating the 10:10 or 10:30 departure for our project’s next phase. Constructive confrontation gives us a holistic view of options and stops us from riding the rails based on assumptions.
Stacy
Thought: Use your voice! Don’t just be a yes-person. Bring your unique
perspective forward—that’s your value.
Disagree
and Commit: We Don’t All Need Window Seats
Once the conversation’s over and we make a call, it’s time to board—no matter what train we chose. Maybe you wanted the 10:30, but the team went with the 10:10. “Disagree and commit” means that even if it’s not your first pick, you’re going to give it your best shot.
And if we waited until everyone was on board with the “perfect” plan, we’d never leave the station! Standing still only means falling behind, especially in our field, where our competitors certainly aren’t waiting. Our success lies in our agility to adapt and keep moving towards our goals—even if it means taking an unexpected turn here or there.
Once the conversation’s over and we make a call, it’s time to board—no matter what train we chose. Maybe you wanted the 10:30, but the team went with the 10:10. “Disagree and commit” means that even if it’s not your first pick, you’re going to give it your best shot.
And if we waited until everyone was on board with the “perfect” plan, we’d never leave the station! Standing still only means falling behind, especially in our field, where our competitors certainly aren’t waiting. Our success lies in our agility to adapt and keep moving towards our goals—even if it means taking an unexpected turn here or there.
Stacy
Thought: Sometimes, you just need to get on the train. 😊
The Waiting Game: Perfection vs. Progress
If we wait for every person to feel 100% ready, or for conditions to be “just right,” we’ll never move forward. Decisions are, by nature, snapshots in time; business needs, markets, and technology all evolve faster than we could ever predict. We make decisions based on the best information we have at the moment, and the rest unfolds as we go.
One of my most challenging (and inspiring) bosses used to say, “Perfection is the enemy of good enough.” This same boss also said, “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.” That nugget still resonates! Perfection shouldn’t be the goal—getting to an optimal state is a journey of many steps. Remember, “good enough” is what gets us moving.
Stacy
Thought: Don’t let perfection paralyze you. Our job is to aim for progress,
not perfection.
Would
We Ever Leave?
If we all waited for the perfect plan, the train would never leave the station. The combination of constructive confrontation, “disagree and commit,” and embracing imperfection is what empowers us to board and keep moving. Making the decision to decide is often the hardest part. And while you may not love every choice, having the courage to commit will ensure we’re always moving forward.
If we all waited for the perfect plan, the train would never leave the station. The combination of constructive confrontation, “disagree and commit,” and embracing imperfection is what empowers us to board and keep moving. Making the decision to decide is often the hardest part. And while you may not love every choice, having the courage to commit will ensure we’re always moving forward.
Stacy Thought: So
here’s my advice: Gather up, ask tough questions, bring your perspectives to
the table, and then commit. It may not be the smoothest journey, but it’s one
that’ll take us to the right destination—scenic route and all.
Happy
Thursday, everyone, and let’s keep this train rolling!
-srt
-srt
No comments:
Post a Comment