Taking the time to do upfront work before moving forward with something
"Whenever I'm under pressure to make a decision on a transaction, but I don't know what the right one is, I try desperately to postpone it."
I love the Harvard Business Review. Sometimes it is a little dry, but my favourite feature is the 'Best Advice I Ever Got' sections, which are typically only one page and present timeless life and business lessons from CEOs, and other influential people.
While rummaging through my "to read" stack, I stumbled upon a new article from Blackstone Group CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman. (Email me and I might be able to help you locate the article on the web)
The lesson is simple, and in Stephen's high school track coach's words: "Remember - you've got to make deposits before you can make a withdraw!". This was shouted by Stephen's track couch, who would be yelling these words of 'inspiration' at the entire track team in the coldest of weather. It was no coincident they won every meet they attended.
The reality is many people, especially 'driver' personality types, will often not take the time to do the necessary upfront work before moving forward with something.
This is fundamentally different than 'walk before you run' or 'pay your dues'. I have seen a lot of great ideas presented in horrible ways because the speaker or presenter had not taken the time to think things through. Before you launch an idea, a product, a service, or even communication to your spouse: Make sure you've put in the time upfront to think everything through.
