“There is no such thing as a good slow decision.” This is reportedly said by one of the Google founders and now said as the mantra of many other organisations. Unfortunately it is often interpreted as an excuse not to think, debate, discuss, an issue. It’s also used to push through the views of a leader or manager. Questions, listening to different perspectives are all deemed to be ‘slowing the decision making process.’ And should be rooted out.

Determining when to make a decision is likely as important as the decision itself. And context matters. We never can have all the facts, all the perspectives, so when is ‘enough’? And the time to make a decision in the emergency ward is different than the cancer ward.

Maybe there is no such thing as a ‘good slow decision’. But there is also no such thing as a good ‘unthoughtful’ decision.

Thoughtful is not the same as slow. Knowing the difference is critical.

Photo by Dylan Gillis