We celebrated my son’s 8th birthday this past weekend at Dave and Buster’s.  It was fascinating to watch the difference between him and some of his friends as they raced around the sea of bright blinking lights and arcade games.  Some of the boys were scanning their cards and punching buttons as fast as possible as if they were in a race against time to see how fast they could use all their tokens.  Meanwhile others (my son included) were carefully evaluating each game, determining if it was one they wanted to play and the amount of tickets it would potentially yield.  Now let me be clear, I’m not suggesting one strategy was better than the other.  There is no wrong way to do an arcade as all the boys had maximum fun. I do think it provides context, though, for how we go through life.  

Years ago, my friends at Epting Events produced a television show called “Black Tie and BBQ”.  In the opening trailer one of their team members could be heard addressing the rest of the team over an intercom.  In a loud, gregarious voice she bellowed; “They say good things come to those who wait, but I say great things come to those who get off their butt and do something.”  I’m a big believer in making things happen and taking advantage of opportunities that come your way.  Our kids were raised with the mantra that, “when you get a chance, you take it.”  And on the flip side (like my son) I’ve personally been known to be a very slow decision maker.  Taking my time to evaluate the potential risks, benefits, and outcomes while consulting others to get their opinion on what to do.  

I’ve found that leadership is a constant balance of being patient and seizing opportunity.  There is no way we can do everything and pursue all the opportunities that present themselves.  When we try to take on too much, we are usually left holding a lot of empty bags that never come to fruition.  On the other hand, if we are too patient, we risk missing out on moments that could transform our circumstances, our businesses, and our people.

The key to this balance is preparation.  When you do work to be clear on your mission and values, certain opportunities no longer look promising.  When you spend time to be intentional about the direction you want to go, it’s easier to pass on opportunities that don’t align with your long term vision. Suddenly, the opportunities that come your way, no longer all look alike.  It is as if a spotlight has been shined on the one or two in which you should pursue among all the rest.  And when this happens, it allows you act quickly and with little to no second guessing.

There are people that like to put a lot of “irons in the fire” at the same time playing the odds that one of them will pan out.  And then there are people that like to “play it safe” that rarely take chances on new opportunities. Great leaders have the ability to navigate both sides.  They are willing to take chances and at the same time can be patient until the right opportunity comes their way.  They are constantly evaluating possibilities for growth and new opportunities. They do the work to understand the characteristics and dynamics of the right opportunity. And when those right opportunities appear, they don’t miss out on the chance they are given, they “take it”!