Change is inevitable. Personal, technological, and organizational change are among the many issues each of us face every day. In this environment, every leader makes decisions about what action to take and when to take it. While identifying what to do often occupies the forefront of our minds, when to take action is just as critical to success.

Great leaders need great vision. Visionary thinking helps leaders identify what needs to be done, but visionary thinking alone is not sufficient for success. Vision tells a leader what to do. Timing tells a leader when to do it. While choosing the wrong action always results in failure, choosing the right action does not always result in victory. The right action must occur at the right time to achieve success.

To maximize the probability of successfully implementing a course of action, learn to ask yourself a few key questions before moving forward. I do not propose that this list is all inclusive. I have found, though, that the answers to these questions can help you decide if the timing is right for any proposed action.\

Five Key Questions On Timing

1) Is the timing of the action forced by external forces that can not be changed or avoided?

a) If yes – The time could be right
b) If no – Carefully consider how you proceed, it may be wise to invest more time in communicating the need for the action

2) Do a significant number of people (70-80%) buy-in to (or, at least, not actively oppose) the action?

a) If yes – The time could be right
b) If no – Why? What, if anything, can you do to improve buy-in?  For example, will delaying action and investing the time to more clearly communicate the vision improve buy-in?

(1) If yes – The time could be premature
(2) If no – Carefully consider the action, it may be wrong or ill-advised

3) Is there a negative consequence of not taking action at this time?

a) If yes – The time could be right
b) If no – The time could be premature or the action may not be necessary

4) Will we lose the benefit of the action if we delay?

a) If yes – The time could be right
b) If no – Further study and communication may improve your odds of success

5) Should we consider a different action because the best time for the proposed action has passed?

a) If yes – Consider other alternatives
b) If no – The time could be right

Timing is more art than science. Timing often relies on judgment more than it does on facts. As such, hard-and-fast rules for choosing the right time to take any given action seldom apply. In many respects, you have to learn timing from experience. Consistently asking these five questions can help you develop greater skill in this piece of the art of leadership.