Balancing Speed and Process
In every organization, there’s an ongoing tension between speed and process.
In a recent discussion with an executive coaching client, she shared the problems she was facing managing this tension on her team.
With speed, you move fast, maybe you break things, but then you fix them, learn and move.
But without solid processes in place, speed can lead to inefficiencies and repeated mistakes. On the other hand, a process-heavy approach ensures stability and consistency—but it can also slow down innovation.
So where does your team fall on this spectrum?
Are you constantly in “fix-it mode” because speed is prioritized? Or are you caught up in planning without enough action? Finding the right balance is critical for success.
The first step is awareness. Take stock of your team’s natural tendencies. If you lean toward speed, identify one process that could help create stability.
If you lean toward process, experiment with taking faster action and refining as you go. The best-performing teams know when to push forward and when to pause and build structure.
Challenge yourself this week: find one way to bring more balance into your team’s workflow. Small shifts can lead to big results.
Read More: Process or people? What matters more in your work culture?
