Indecision, Procrastination and Timing!

​It would be difficult to overemphasize the importance of timing and the many ways in which other patterns and problems can compromise essential timing rhythms.
 
When a prospective client first speculates about really doing the project they have long been considering, they then want to accomplish it as soon as possible.  Although it may have been months or even years since they first thought seriously about it, once a decision has been made to move ahead, it seems from that point on impatience sets in!

Some impatience is just the very real and congenial excitement and anticipation of actually seeing their vision take substance. On the other hand, some impatience is about not quite understanding the inter-locking, carefully timed moves and actions it takes to bring the project along smoothly to satisfactory completion.

Each design project has multiple paths to completion! The balanced, harmonious finished product is no accident – but rather the result of several converging strategies.

​The intense detail management involves carefully orchestrating many elements so that each, as needed, falls into place correctly, efficiently and at precise junctures.
 
With no conscious intention to delay or compromise that forward motion, a client nevertheless can appreciably disturb the careful planning, pacing and action that keep a project on track.
 
Two of the worst enemies of a project’s forward, balanced choreography are:  Indecision and Procrastination.    (They certainly are not the only rhythm breakers, but they qualify for grand prizes!)
 
Indecision that holds multiple factors in suspension because of needing answers, authorizations, deposits, and other “green lights,” can place a project’s completion timing in serious jeopardy. 
 
The last thing your design team wants to do is point the finger at their client!  Yet, your team is at the mercy of their contracted decision maker(s), and are often caught in the uncomfortable middle of a dilemma.
 
Suppliers, their representatives, the sub-contracted trade services and all who are dependent upon the-move-before-their-move are looking to the design leadership team for their cue to start their part of the action.   The design team looks to their client.  That’s where the power is.
 
It is important to work closely with your design team in order to fully understand the factors at play in serious decisions.  Every decision, large or small, impacts on and triggers many cross-related actions.  Indecision is usually based in some form of insecurity about something.   Ask.  Listen.  Brainstorm repeatedly, if necessarily.  Ask again.  In the long run, it is time well spent.
 
If the power-drive of a project, the client, is bogged down with indecision and procrastination, it is the project that suffers.
 
Procrastination (even if decisions have been made but can’t be acted upon) can be a deal breaker in several directions.  Often suppliers have special pricing offers that must be acted on in a timely manner.   Choices of finishes, fabrics and accessories from certain inventories may have to be forfeited if not ordered within a specific timeframe.   Sub-contractors’ schedules may be difficult to re-structure if action is not taken as previously planned and strategized, causing “start dates” and coordination to fall into jeopardy.   And, freight coordination waits for no- one!
 
It will help your project immensely if you are sure that your well thought out choices and decisions are firm.  When you signal the design team to go forward, remember that each green light is related to multiple other actions.