I am reminded of the poem ‘The Centipede’s Dilemma’ attributed to Catherine Caster as part of the book ‘The Pinafore poems’. It says:
A centipede was happy – quite!
Until a toad in fun
Said, “Pray, which leg moves after which?”
This raised her doubts to such a pitch,
She fell exhausted in the ditch
Not knowing how to run.
Though spoken of in a lighter vein, the poem aptly describes the dilemmas of businesses and leaders in taking timely decisions that often result in lost opportunities or worse still, shutting down of businesses altogether. Well, I am fully aware that big decisions require thorough analysis, and that they can’t be done with a toss of a coin. But how long is too long is something one should be aware of from the word go. I often hear people attributing analysis paralysis to the fact that too much is at stake and that taking hasty decisions would sabotage the company’s existence. But then, delaying decisions has not benefited anyone, not in the ever-competitive business world
What exactly is Analysis Paralysis
It is the tendency of companies and leaders to keep over-thinking and analyzing a situation so much and for so long without taking any decision or acting in time, so as to invite upon them lost opportunities. I would like to go a little further and warn you, that a leader’s inability to take decisions in time, is a trait whose reputation reaches ahead even before him. That could prove a hindrance to his career growth as well.
Reasons for Analysis Paralysis
Inability to take timely decisions or actions stems out of several reasons such as:
Not enough data:When companies and leaders confront situations where they are not backed by ‘enough’ data and information, they take time to ponder upon the problem before taking any decision. However, how much data is enough is a debatable question. Sitting over a problem or an opportunity just because everyone is not convinced with the data and information at hand, is like walking on dangerous terrain, for you may fall anytime. At times, one has to decide and act based on whatever optimum data that is available at that given time. Just like acting in haste is futile, acting too late also has its problems. Classic examples of indecision are the cases of Motorola and Kodak who sat over some wonderful patents till competitors brought products in the market and then lost valuable ground.
Desire to bring everybody on board:As they say, you can please some people at some time but you can’t please all the people all the time. Waiting for everyone to come to a unanimous decision will rarely be possible. At times, you have to look at what is in good interests of the company and act in time rather than endlessly wait to win everyone.Do what is right and it always turns out to be good. But it is definitely important to earn the approval of a majority of the people who have a stake in the decision, especially if it’s the board that you’re answerable to. Again, a convincing plan and strategy gets approved quickly.
Fear of failure:Any change comes with the innate possibility of things going wrong or failing altogether. However, that risk stands in any scenario whether in business or in personal life. With proper precautions to mitigate risks, one can overcome the fear of failure before acting or deciding on something. Businesses thrive on the risk factors that come associated with it, however, good leaders are those who preempt risks, mitigate them, have mechanisms in place and ensure that these risks do not impact the whole business as such.
Waiting for the right time:A lot of people believe that they must act at the right time for their actions to have the maximum positive impact. What if there is no ideal ‘right time’ and one has to take the decision soon. Ideal conditions work only in text books and not in real life. When Steve Jobs launched the Ipod, there was no precedent. When Pixar decided to bet heavy on animation films costing millions of dollars, the sector was considered a children’s domain and not for adults. However, they took the decision with conviction and made it right. Read more.....
