No offence…. But JFDI

Some may think that the F in JFDI is offensive. If you are one of them, then click away now. It’s not meant to be offensive. Get past that and read on.

I first used this poster when I led a brilliant and long-standing business that had stumbled a little and needed to refocus on getting stuff done and empowering people to make decisions, rather than continually spin around analysis loops that prevented decisions being made.

If you are faced with over-complexity or decision paralysis or simple need to empower you team to get on and do what they already know needs doing.... this was my answer. I didn’t invent it, but it became my watchword, my shorthand to simply move to execution a soon as appropriate.

JFDI doesn’t mean abandon analysis, or considered thought on likely outcomes and impacts. It isn't an advert for the dated autocratic management style summarised as "I know best - do as I say". It is however, a useful mantra to point people towards execution and to trust their own conclusions.

I always want people to bring not just problems, but also solutions. Never was it more refreshing to simply be able to say JFDI as my shorthand for “let’s get on with it then!”

So this poster went on the wall for all to see on day 1 as a symbol of a reset in attitude. Somehow it followed me around for a much longer.

Leave a comment if you like this or want to elaborate on the mantra of execution.