Create a Healthy Sense of Urgency

Organizational change guru John Kotter wrote an entire book on the importance of creating "A Sense of Urgency", noting the rate of change is rapidly going up (and this was written seven years ago!). Any significant change requires a sense of urgency to build traction-gaining momentum. 

Kotter describes having a sense of urgency as a way of thinking, feeling and behaving based on the premise that the world holds enormous opportunities and hazards that we must deal with today. He speaks to a "gut level determination" to get up in the morning and do what's right to move things forward.  It requires being alert; paying attention; courageously embracing the unknown; a personal sense of accountability; and the belief in one's ability to affect change. It also requires clarity and commitment. A sense of urgency can show up in something as straightforward as conducting meetings that actually accomplish something!

 Beware the "False sense of urgency" 

Organizations that exist at a frenetic pace may feel like they have a sense of urgency; but in reality they suffer from a lot of unfocused activity that requires an enormous amount of energy and is hampered by anxiety and stress. A true, healthy sense of urgency generates an on-purpose environment; one that can handle the plethora of opportunities and hazards. It fosters efficiencies; focusing on the right things; getting rid of the unnecessary and channeling resources.

Do you have an urgency problem? How can you ignite your team to embrace a sense of urgency that moves the right things forward?

Begin with clear priorities and aligned goals, build in accountability for results and give people permission - and the expectation - to "move now" to make things happen. This kind of on-fire intentionality will be immensely more rewarding and even fun. Your organization will be more resilient; and your team, more empowered.