Procrastination can sometimes be an advantage to a leader. Here are three reasons why.
1. Procrastination can help leaders avoid regrets. Have you ever responded too quickly to an email when you were upset and regretted it? Whether email, phone calls, or face to face conversations, take a time out when you aren't in a position to react calmly. Sometimes the situation will just take care of itself without you having to do anything. Regardless, you will have time to ponder and think before you act and have regrets.
2. Procrastination can lessen your workload. Here are two questions to ask yourself:
First, are you the type of leader that solves every problem that those you lead have? If so, then you might be creating more work for yourself than you need to. I have found that people have a great knack for solving their own problems when left to do so.
Second, are you the type of leader that answers every question that those you lead have? If so, that might explain the 3,023 emails in your inbox. Teach people to solve their problems and answer their questions.
Remember the saying "Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to use the net and he won't bother you for weeks."
3. Procrastination can help leaders make better decisions. Taking the time to ponder on answers to problems you are striving to find a solution for can help you better understand different perspectives and angles. Procrastination can also lead to more proposals to solutions from others, hence allowing you more options to think about.
Now, I am sure some of you are saying, wait a minute! Are you telling me to avoid conflict, close my door and slow down on making important decisions? Yes and no. As in all things, proper discernment and balance are the key. Every situation is unique. But there will clearly be times when a little bit of procrastination will make you a better leader and even save you some time.
Do you agree that procrastination is always a bad thing for leaders? If yes or no, let's discuss. Please comment below.
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Mike Rogers
