Workplace Stall Is Often Where It Begins
What does it take to keep moving? Does forward motion carry too much risk or is it really just a workplace stall?
There are always risks associated with action. There are also risks associated with inaction. Which one creates change?
The easy answer is, both.
A better question is, which one costs more?
Delay or Stall?
Waiting on the proper weather pattern before launching the SpaceX rocket isn’t really a stall. It is a necessary action in order to create success.
The same is true for a cake baking in the oven, a watermelon growing in the field, or the traffic light that is glowing red. Likely, none of these represent a stall.
Stalling is more of a form of procrastination.
Maybe it would be better to wait until tomorrow.
Next week I start my diet.
There is still a lot of time to finish the project.
Are you guilty of the workplace stall?
Workplace Stall
Workplace stalling is more than a waste of precious time. It often allows other inferior work to continue to occur in the meantime. In many cases, the opportunity window may close.
Managers often stall when faced with employees needing performance improvement guidance. They stall because of the fear of conflict or because they are unsure of future outcomes.
Advertising teams often stall because they claim that they want to get the creative right. Someone needs to write copy, direct the photo shoot, or double check with the client.
People stall with continuing education, they stall with committing to a new car purchase, or they just can’t seem to find the time to schedule the dentist appointment.
Sometimes the invented roadblocks that create the stall are really about to cause something to begin.
It may be the beginning of the end.
There is a cost of both action and inaction.
Stalling often costs more.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
