Everyone seems to be looking for a quick win. There’s the “author” who quickly writes and self-publishes a 120-page book that’s nothing more than a compilation of their blog posts. There’s the company that wants to solve a million-dollar problem with a $10K training program, and there’s the worker who thinks that a certificate earned in 90 days should be worth as much as a college degree.
Recognizing that taking a shortcut can come at a steep cost in the long run is essential. In some cases, shortcuts can lead to severe legal and ethical consequences.
Cutting corners in business practices, such as skirting regulations can result in hefty fines, legal battles, and damage to your company’s reputation. Taking shortcuts with your education can lead to missed opportunities to hone your craft and build your network.
But what if you think, “I don’t have the resources to do what needs to be done.” My response to you is two-fold.
If this project is so vital, then find the money.
If you can’t find the money, then save up until you have the money.
There are no shortcuts to success, nor is there such a thing as overnight success.
Here’s an example of what I mean. You probably look at people like Mark Zuckerberg or Taylor Swift and wonder how they beat the odds and became so successful at such a young age. These people have dedicated years to learning and perfecting their craft, during which they experienced disappointment and, eventually, success. Only that’s not what you see. You just see their success.
Here’s what you don’t see. These people are working 24/7 while you’re spending time at your family’s lake house. They take risks daily, while many of you play it safe.
Here are some tips to prevent you from taking the shortcut path to long-term disappointment:
- Be clear on the objectives you’re seeking to achieve. Do you sincerely want your people to improve their skills, or are you merely looking for a way to ethically demonstrate that you invest in developing your people?
- Do a cost-benefit analysis. Will the shortcut you’re considering taking provide you with the ROI you’re looking for? If the answer is no, or I’m not sure, then pause until you fully understand the impact your actions (or inactions) will have on you or your business.
- Play the long game. Sometimes, the temptation of immediate gratification can cloud your judgment. While the idea of a management training session that can be completed in a day or less may sound appealing, in the end, you’ll most likely experience little more than a nice time together. Weigh this against alternatives like group or individual coaching, where the results will be more robust.
If you are a shortcut kind of person, you will eventually end up disappointed. The time and energy spent looking for the easy way out would be better spent doing things right. Embracing diligence, patience, and a commitment to doing things the right way will likely lead to better outcomes.
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