Smooth is Fast

My ride to the airport started a little stressful this morning. I had booked my car service the night before, and my blue Revel arrived on time. I like stress-free travel, so I gave myself enough buffer to get to LaGuardia early. Although there was traffic on the highway, everything was still moving along well. As we got onto the highway, it felt like my car was traveling very slowly. Other cars were passing us fast and faster. And while I wasn’t worried about missing my flight, I felt the stress of the slow driver. I checked the speedometer and then the speed limit, and I found that the driver had set the Tesla to go a maximum of 5 miles over the speed limit, making us by far the slowest car on the highway. While I believe it's best to drive at the speed of traffic, it caused me to reflect on an expression that we like to quote: "Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast." This drive at the speed limit gave me a little extra time to reflect on and practice the message within the message.

Slowing down offers us a unique advantage–the opportunity to observe our surroundings and respond in “intentional time” rather than by reflex. While there are certainly instances when quick reflexes are necessary, it's beneficial to keep these to a minimum and respond consciously. By intentionally slowing down, we create space for contemplation before action. In a world that often pressures us to react swiftly, make snap decisions, and rush from one task to another, this deliberate approach can lead to better outcomes and fewer errors. Whether we're leading a team, tackling a complex project, or dealing with personal challenges, embracing a slow and measured approach can paradoxically result in more efficient and effective results.

Smoothness enables us to adapt with minimal disruption. I recently watched the new movie “Boys In The Boat,” and it served as a powerful reminder of the significance of smoothness. The winning boat isn't necessarily the one with the strongest individual rowers, but the one with the strongest team, pulling together in perfect harmony, generating more power and less rocking from side to side. This principle is equally applicable to leadership and teamwork. When we move smoothly, we establish a rhythm that others can easily follow and synchronize with. Smooth movements, be they physical or metaphorical, create less friction resulting in more energy efficiency. In our organizations, smooth processes and transitions can also lead to greater efficiency, higher morale, and better results. As leaders, when we prioritize smooth operations and communication, we create an environment where our teams can perform at their best without unnecessary stress or disruption.

And when we are moving slowly and smoothly, we are in flow, and flow is fast. Flow is the liminal space of motion without disruption, of gradual adjustments to the changes in our surroundings. We are fastest when going with the river, not fighting it. And when we accept change rather than resist it. This state of flow, where we're fully immersed in our task and operating at peak performance often feels effortless. It's a state where time seems to fly by, and we accomplish more than we thought possible. We can achieve remarkable results by cultivating conditions that promote flow – clear goals, immediate feedback, and a balance between challenge and skill. In our personal and professional lives, learning to go with the flow rather than against it can lead to greater accomplishments with less struggle and stress, inspiring and motivating us to reach our full potential.

In life and leadership, the paradox of "slow is smooth, smooth is fast" offers wisdom for us. By slowing down to observe and reflect, moving smoothly to minimize disruption, and finding our flow, we can achieve more with less stress and greater satisfaction. This approach allows us to lead intentionally, foster harmony within our teams, and adapt gracefully to change. For those we lead and love, modeling this mindset can create a ripple effect, encouraging a more thoughtful, collaborative, and effective approach to challenges and opportunities. As we navigate the complexities of our fast-paced world, let's remember that sometimes, the key to moving forward faster is to slow down, smooth out our actions, and flow with the currents of change rather than against them.

With love, gratitude and wonder.

Scott