Take long short-cuts and talk along the way

Take time to assess the situation to avoid misunderstandings

Do you have multiple routes to get to the same destination? Do you reach out to numerous colleagues to explore the multiple realities that exist? Do you check in with several people to discover the ground truth?

When you do so, you’re going slowly so you can go faster later. You’ve taken time to understand the situation and plot your course of action. As a result, you’re better informed and prepared. You also should have stronger relationships.

My late grandfather encouraged me to take the time to find “long short cuts”—that is, the less-traveled roads that are quick to travel even if the distance is longer or the non-usual suspects who may be able to shed light on a topic.