The Power of Urgency

This weekend I revisited some of Brian Tracy's work, and one idea stuck out: He said that one of the most valuable things you can develop in your career is a sense of urgency. Not panic, not frantic energy, not rushing without thought.

Urgency.

Urgency is a posture. It is the way we approach our work and our commitments. It is the inner decision that when something matters, we will move on it now. Not after a few more emails, not once we “have time,” not when we “get around to it.” Now.

I have worked with hundreds of leaders and thousands of professionals over the years, and I can tell you with certainty: people who consistently act with urgency rise faster. They are the ones whose names come up when someone says, “We need this handled. Who should we call?” They are trusted because they deliver.

Think about the reputation you are building right now. When your name is mentioned in a meeting, do people picture someone who acts quickly and decisively? Or do they picture someone who waits for perfect conditions and then wonders why opportunities keep passing by?

Urgency does not mean saying yes to everything or burning yourself out. In fact, some of the most urgent people I know are also the most focused. They know that the faster they decide, the faster they can move. And the faster they move, the more momentum they create. And momentum is contagious. When we are the ones driving progress, other people lean in, doors open, projects advance, and trust builds.

But the opposite is also true. When people sense delay, hesitation, or a lack of responsiveness, they begin to route around us. They will find someone else to get it done and once that pattern sets in, it can be hard to break.

So how do you build a reputation for urgency?

1. Respond quickly. Even if you do not have the full answer, acknowledge the request and let people know you are on it. Silence communicates the opposite of urgency.

2. Decide faster. Stop waiting for the perfect set of facts. Most decisions can be adjusted as you go. Land and commit to principals/foundations and get moving forward.

3. Follow through. This is a big one! Urgency without follow through is just noise. Deliver what you say you will, when you say you will.

4. Stay visible. Let the right people know when things are moving forward. Often people this is bragging. It’s not, it is leadership.

Brian Tracy says, “Develop a reputation for speed and dependability, and you will never have to worry about your future.” I have seen this play out over and over again.

 In a world where too many people wait, hesitate, and procrastinate, urgency stands out. It becomes your brand, and when you become known as the person who gets things done, opportunity finds you.

 This week, decide to act with urgency. Respond faster, decide sooner, and move forward while others are still thinking about it. And as President Barack Obama said in an interview with LinkedIn’s own Dan Roth, “Just learn how to get things done.”

 Do not wait for the perfect moment. Create it. And when the call comes, be the one already moving!