One of the deeply ingrained myths about how managers achieve success is that
they are determined and quick in making decisions. The literature of
Management has created a macho image about making tough decisions quickly.

This is not a true picture of successful managers. They know it is wise to postpone
important decisions as long as possible.

The seasoned manager knows that there is a price, some degree of irrevocability.
attached to any decision. Therefore, you will develop as many options as possible for
the really important questions that need to be resolved and critical decision making postponed
as long as possible. That allows you to move with a changing environment of facts,
pressures and opportunity. It also paves the way for responding to criticism.
and guess what by saying, “Yes, we consider all options as long as
might. “

Most of us hear on our mother’s knees: “Never put off what you can do until tomorrow.
today. “The most successful decision makers often break that rule.

When he was Vice President of the United States, Aaron Burr flew in front of the
Puritan admonition when he advised: “Never do today what you can postpone until
morning. The delay can shed a clearer light on what is best to do. “

About 100 years later, President Calvin Coolidge declared, “Four-fifths of all our
the problems in this life would go away if we just sat down and stood still. “

TIME SOLVES MANY PROBLEMS

Managers will find that all problems do not require answers over time. The simple
The passage of time will solve many problems. They can simply pass away or respond
themselves. Also, good answers are not always immediately available.

We can all learn from the parable about two men sentenced to death by the king.
Upon learning of his fate, one man was terrified, but the other remained calm.
The quiet one said, “Your Majesty, if you let us live, I will teach your horse to fly.”

The King considered the proposal for a moment and replied: “You have one year
to teach my horse to fly. If you are successful, your lives will be saved; but if not you
will be executed. “

After the two condemned left the king’s presence, the terrified
He asked his partner, “Why did you do that? You can’t teach a horse to fly.”
You have only prolonged the inevitable. Now we have a whole year to fear our
deceased. “

“Well,” replied the calm one, “four things can happen in a year. The horse could
To die. The King could change his mind. I could die. Or the horse could learn to
fly. “

The wise careerist will recognize that he must use common sense when applying
positive procrastination. It is like salt. A little brings the best of cooking; too
a lot spoils everything. Procrastination should never be used as an excuse to act.

Common sense says that procrastination in decision making can be a very valuable factor.
management tool, provided it is conscious and controlled.

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