“When to lead is as important as what to do and where to go.” – John Maxwell
The Law of Timing is a double-edge sword. Every time a leader makes a move, there are really only four outcomes that can result:
- If the leader performs the wrong action at the wrong time, it leads to a disaster;
- If the leader performs the right action at the wrong time, it brings resistance;
- When the leader does the wrong action at the right time, people see it as a mistake;
- But the right action at the right time results in success.
Reading the situation and knowing what to do is not enough to make a leader succeed. Only the right action at the right time will bring success. Great leadership timing requires many things, including the following:
- UNDERSTANDING
In order to make decisions, we must be informed on as much information as possible. Study the situation and make your decisions based on facts and not emotion.
2. MATURITY
We need to have the maturity level to allow us to make our decisions based on the right motives. These motives should be congruent with our values
3. CONFIDENCE
We need to be confident in the decision. First the buy-in and then the all-in. If we are not totally committed to the decision, it may be time to reconsider.
4. DECISIVENESS
A decision lacking solid follow up and commitment means that things may remain the same. Remember: “if nothing changes, NOTHING changes.” If you make a decision, stand behind it and move forward without hesitation. If we start doubting our decision, we will lose the momentum that originally got the ball rolling.
5. EXPERIENCE
If you don’t have all the experience that you need in doing something new, surround yourself with those that do and learn at every opportunity.
6. INTUITION
If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Don’t confuse the fear of the unknown with not knowing.
7. PREPARATION
If the conditions do not seem perfectly clear, first, examine the facts and determine what it would take to make them clear. If it is something you can control, proceed. If it is something outside of your control, it may be time to re-evaluate the timing.
The timing of your effort can be just as important, and even more important, than the amount of effort. Acting early is much more effective than waiting until the last minute and infinitely more effective than waiting until it’s too late.
Don’t use “The Law of Timing” as an excuse for not doing something. The secret to getting things done is doing them. That may sound obvious, yet too few people take it to heart.
All too often we avoid taking action because we feel we’re not qualified, or not worthy, or the timing isn’t right, or the market conditions are not ideal, or it might not work out, or “what would people think?”, or “what would I be missing?” The list of reasons for not taking action is endless.
What are YOU waiting for? Whatever it is, it won’t come unless you do something about it. There are many obstacles to every course of action. The biggest obstacle, however, comes from not doing anything. Fortunately, that’s an obstacle that you can overcome instantly, as soon as you start to take action.
Waiting for things to get better? They’ll be better when you make them better. Get busy and make it happen.
H5H Action Step:
- Create a list of three goals and objectives for your restaurant for Q4-2017. Apply the law of timing to them and create action steps to put them into motion (Don’t be afraid to share them with me, we are all on the same team).
“Managers do things right but leaders do the right things at the right time.”
Lead The Way!
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