Fast Decisions vs. Smart Decisions

Fast Decisions vs. Smart Decisions

Speed wins—until it doesn’t.
Move too slow, and you lose momentum.
Move too fast, and you make mistakes that cost more than time.

The best managers know that the goal isn’t to choose between fast or smart.
The goal is to know when to move fast and when to slow down and think.

Why It Matters:

• Culture: Teams take their cue from you—if you’re frantic or frozen, they will be too.

• Performance: Rushed decisions create rework. Thoughtful ones move the business forward.

• Trust: Teams trust leaders who know when to push and when to pause.

What Most Managers Overlook:

They think “fast” is always better.
But smart leaders slow down just long enough to check assumptions, gather input, and reduce risk—then they move quickly.

Patagonia’s leadership team is a great example. They’re known for making bold, fast moves—but they also spend intentional time aligning on values and mission before they act. That clarity allows them to move faster when it really counts.

How to Get It Right:

• Know the stakes. Not every decision needs the same level of analysis.

• Use a decision filter: Is this reversible? Is it high-impact?

• Set a deadline for making the call.

• Ask your team what they’d do—before you decide.

Do:
✅ Move fast on low-risk or reversible decisions
✅ Slow down on high-stakes, irreversible calls
✅ Create space for team input when it matters

Don’t:
❌ Rush big decisions just to clear your to-do list
❌ Overthink small, low-risk choices
❌ Pretend “waiting” is a strategy

Smart leaders move fast but they think first.