In the heat of a dense jungle, a Navy SEAL team was tasked with a high-stakes rescue mission. The objective was clear. Time was tight. Instead of racing into action, however, the team leader called for a halt. “We go slow to go fast,” he whispered to his team, signaling for them to carefully map the terrain and assess every possible angle. Each SEAL took slow, deliberate steps, persistently scanning their surroundings. What seemed like precious time lost was time gained. By moving cautiously, they avoided traps and detected hidden threats. This allowed them to reach their target swiftly and safely.
The SEALs knew what many leaders often do in a time crunch. They plunge ahead recklessly. Nevertheless, the impulse to charge ahead without a clear plan can easily lead to backtracking and setbacks. By embracing patience and precision, the team stayed focused, navigating a high-stress situation with calm efficiency. As they completed the mission with minimal resistance, it became clear that their success wasn’t despite the slower pace. It was because of it.
This principle of “go slow to go fast” extends far beyond the battlefield. In the world of leadership, taking a few extra moments to clarify goals, align team efforts, and evaluate risks can make all the difference between success and frustration.
What is the history of Go Slow to Go Fast?
The principle “slow is fast” in leadership is often attributed to various wisdom traditions and military strategy, particularly within Navy SEAL training and Lean and Agile management methodologies. It suggests that by taking deliberate, careful steps upfront, leaders can avoid costly mistakes, reduce errors, and ultimately achieve faster, more sustainable outcomes. Stephen Covey popularized this idea in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, emphasizing that slowing down to ensure clarity, build trust, and gain commitment actually accelerates success.
In today’s fast-paced world, “slow is fast” is perhaps more relevant than ever. Leaders often feel pressured to act quickly, but moving too fast can result in miscommunication, burnout, and errors that require more time to fix. By initially going slow—focusing on clear planning, collaboration, and mindful decision-making—leaders foster better alignment, greater engagement, and higher productivity in the long run. In complex situations, this approach allows leaders to make strategic adjustments early, reducing the risk of larger issues and ensuring smoother, faster progress down the line.
Tools that launch Go Slow to Go Fast in the workplace
Incorporating the TIGERS 6 Principles Course, Mastering the TIGERS 6 Principles™, provides leaders with a structured framework and practical tools for guiding their teams thoughtfully and effectively. This course is designed around the TIGERS 6 Principles of Trust, Interdependence, Genuineness, Empathy, Risk, and Success. It equips leaders with resources not only for developing their own leadership abilities but also for fostering growth among team members. Leaders are trained in building a culture of collaboration and mutual respect, encouraging personal accountability, and nurturing sustainable relationships. Through these principles, leaders can implement the “slow is fast” approach effectively, making mindful, deliberate decisions that pave the way for sustainable outcomes. The course design also integrates team-building exercises, allowing leaders to develop and grow alongside their employees, fostering a cohesive, high-performing team dynamic. Simply put. It is learning by doing in high gear.
5 Steps to Master “Slow is Fast” in Leadership
The following five steps are helpful when launching anything new or establishing strategy with a team:
- Clarify Objectives First
Begin by defining the purpose and end goals with clarity. Avoid rushing into execution without fully understanding the desired outcome. Clear objectives help align the team and ensure everyone is moving in the right direction, which prevents wasted efforts and later reworks. - Create a Detailed Plan
Planning might feel like a delay, but it’s an essential step to outline each phase, anticipate obstacles, and assign responsibilities. Developing a thoughtful plan allows the team to approach tasks with a clear path, reducing confusion and eliminating costly backtracking. - Engage in Active Listening and Feedback
Take the time to listen to team members’ insights and concerns. This builds trust and encourages collaboration. It also helps leaders to detect potential issues early on. Encouraging feedback ensures alignment and reduces misunderstandings that can arise when moving too quickly. - Set Small, Measurable Milestones
Break down the project or objective into smaller, achievable milestones. These checkpoints allow you to assess progress, adjust, and celebrate successes along the way. Small steps give leaders time to recalibrate if necessary, ensuring smoother progression to the final goal. - Reflect and Adjust Regularly
Regularly pause to evaluate the team’s progress and address any challenges that arise. This reflection period is crucial for staying on track and reinforcing the “slow is fast” approach. Adjustments made along the way are less disruptive than major corrections later, saving time and resources.
By following these steps and applying the TIGERS 6 Principles framework, leaders can master the art of moving thoughtfully. “Slow is fast” becomes a strategic tool, one that helps create an environment where teams are motivated, aligned, and primed for sustainable success.
Care to take the concept of go slow to go fast deeper?
Several blog topics that align well with the “slow is fast” approach and the TIGERS 6 Principles include:
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What impacts the trust crisis in today’s workforce? — A blog that dives into trust-building strategies, which reinforces the “slow is fast” approach by emphasizing the need to create a reliable and supportive team culture
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Why Empathy Is A Critical Skill For Workplace Success — Focusing on empathy, this blog would explore how understanding and valuing team members’ perspectives leads to better communication, reduced conflict, and a strong foundation for productive collaboration.
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Four Ways to Improve Interdependence on Your Team — Highlighting the principle of interdependence, this blog could discuss how leaders can encourage collaboration and shared responsibility, aligning team goals with deliberate action.
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Risk and Creating a Culture of Innovation — A blog on taking calculated risks, which ties into the “slow is fast” mindset by emphasizing careful risk assessment to empower teams without rushing into potentially harmful decisions.
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Open Communication Builds Genuineness — This blog could discuss how genuine leadership practices help build trust and transparency, setting the stage for thoughtful decision-making.
Each of these blogs reinforces the “slow is fast” concept, showcasing how the TIGERS 6 Principles guide leaders in fostering a sustainable, resilient, and high-performing team culture.
Copyright TIGERS Success Series, Inc. by Dianne Crampton
The TIGERS 6 Principles empower Executives and Consultants with a comprehensive collaborative work culture and leadership system to resolve avoidable talent, engagement and work community problems that stunt growth.
A researched and validated collaborative work culture and facilitative leadership model, licensing is available for HR Executives, Operations and Project Managers, Consultants and Coaches to improve their operations and client success.
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