If you’re in leadership, you’ve probably been tempted by the allure of a “quick win” – that decision or shortcut that brings an immediate boost and pats on the back.
Over my years coaching executives, leading group transformations, and helping leaders develop authentic, sustainable leadership strategies, I’ve seen firsthand how these “quick wins” can come back to haunt us. When we prioritize instant gratification over lasting impact, we’re often undermining our own goals – financially, culturally, and environmentally.
Let’s dig into how this mindset plays out and explore what it really means to build something that lasts.
1. Financially Speaking: When Quick Wins Get Expensive
Many organizations fixate on quarterly numbers, making small adjustments to hit their short-term targets. It may look good in the immediate report, but the hidden costs tend to stack up. A study by McKinsey found that companies focused on long-term value outpace their peers in revenue growth by nearly 50%. Yet we still see leaders cutting budgets in areas like employee development and customer support for short-term gains.
I’ve coached countless leaders who face this financial pressure, and the irony is always there: the costs of patching up these quick-win decisions down the road are almost always greater than the initial “savings.” Here’s my challenge to you as a leader – take a step back and ask yourself, “What’s the long-term price of this decision?” True financial leadership is about planting seeds that may take time to grow but yield much richer results.
Are you investing in solutions that stand the test of time, or are you just aiming for the next report?
2. Culture: Quick Wins Don’t Build Real Inclusion
Cultural decisions may be one of the most telling examples of how quick wins can backfire. I often see leaders rush diversity initiatives to “check a box” without putting in the time and intention required for real impact. A Deloitte study found that organizations with strong, inclusive cultures are twice as likely to meet or exceed their financial targets. But here’s the catch – diversity isn’t something you can rush. Inclusion takes time, genuine effort, and a willingness to listen to every voice in the room.
I’ve facilitated many group sessions where the real work of inclusion happens slowly, authentically, and with respect for each person involved. Here’s my call to action for you as a leader: Commit to building a culture that values every voice, even if it’s not a quick process. Ask yourself – is your organization’s “diversity” just for optics, or are you truly building a place where everyone feels they belong?
3. Environmental Responsibility: Stop Kicking the Can Down the Road
Environmental decision-making may be the clearest example of the costs of short-term thinking. According to the World Economic Forum, climate-related disasters have cost the global economy $2.25 trillion over the past two decades – and those costs are only climbing. Yet leaders often focus on projects that promise quick returns rather than those that ensure a sustainable future.
In my work, I coach leaders to think about the legacy they’re leaving – not just for their organization, but for their community and the planet. Here’s the truth: investing in sustainable practices today might feel like a big upfront cost, but it’s a vital step toward resilience, lower costs, and a healthier world. My challenge to you is simple: Are your choices today protecting the future, or simply buying time until the next quick win?
Building for the Future: Let’s Make a Lasting Impact
Ultimately, leadership is about making decisions that resonate long after we’re gone. As a leader, I encourage you to ask: Are you in it for the quick fix, or to build something that truly lasts? Over my years in coaching and leadership development, I’ve seen time and again that true leaders are the ones who are willing to trade the instant applause for a legacy of real, lasting value.
About the Author:
Kathleen O’Grady is the CEO of Authentic Leadership Advisors and the creator of the Authentic Intelligence™ Framework. With nearly 20 years of coaching experience, Kathleen specializes in helping executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders make bold transitions, particularly from corporate burnout to entrepreneurial success. Her work focuses on empowering individuals to break free from traditional paths and build careers and/or businesses that align with their innate passions and strengths. Recognized globally for her transformative coaching methods, Kathleen ranks #1 in USA Today’s Top 10 International Coaches. As a Master Certified Coach with the International Coaching Federation, she has guided countless clients through their own entrepreneurial breakthroughs.
www.al-advisors.com | (919) 322-8344 | kathleen@al-advisors.com
