Are you quick to take action? I know I am. I tend to be highly action-oriented, driven to complete a task the moment I realize it needs to be done. But over time, I’ve also learned that speed comes with pitfalls of its own. Is everyone else moving with the same sense of urgency? Do they even understand why the task matters in the first place? Move too quickly without alignment or clarity, and the consequences can be more damaging than moving more slowly to begin with.
In Speed, John H. Zenger and Joseph R. Folkman draw on years of research to explore the value of acting quickly in professional environments and how the most effective leaders balance urgency with intentionality.
The book is divided into two sections. In the first half, Zenger and Folkman outline the benefits of moving quickly in an increasingly fast-paced world. Information now travels instantly, industries shift overnight, and organizations that fail to adapt risk being left behind. According to the authors, the most effective leaders are those who can respond decisively while still aligning their actions with the broader vision and purpose of their organization. It’s this combination of urgency and clarity that inspires both success and loyalty within teams.
The second half of the book is the more practical section, highlighting eight tactics leaders can adopt to increase their effectiveness and speed within an organization. Zenger and Folkman dive into topics like embracing innovation and change, sharpening strategic perspective, demonstrating courage, setting stretch goals, communicating clearly, maintaining an external focus, taking initiative, and deepening knowledge and expertise. According to the authors, even developing just a few of these traits can dramatically accelerate a leader’s impact.
