Motion does not always equal forward motion, and forward motion is not the same thing as progress.

I learned this at a “ropes course” during my business-school orientation. In one challenge, our team had twenty minutes to cross an imaginary chemical spill using a few props (e.g., some rope, two small platforms and a long pole) and subject to a few constraints (e.g., maximum two people on a platform, the rope can’t touch the ground, etc.).

When the clock started, I said, “Hey, let’s take a moment to think this through.” And we did, for a moment. But then some people wanted to start trying things. I pressed back, “C’mon — just another minute to plan?” And we did. For just another inconclusive minute. Then we started trying things, and they seemed to be working. But then they didn’t. Then time ran out.

Later our instructor said, “You may be surprised at how soon I knew — without doubt — that you would fail.”

What do you mean?” we asked. “How? When?”

“As soon as Phil chickened out and quit pushing you to think before you started moving, you were doomed.”