David Allen – When the Pressure Is on Step Back and Take Time to Think

Jun 2, 2021

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BIO: David Allen is one of the world’s most influential thinkers on productivity. His bestselling book, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, has sold millions and been published in thirty languages.

STORY: David Allen was busy writing his third book when he decided to hire someone to help him run his business. He came across someone who had a good resume and seemed like a good fit. David was pressed to make a rush decision to hire him without doing any due diligence because he claimed to have another offer. The guy ended up being a wrong fit.

LEARNING: Don’t make decisions when you’re under pressure, and don’t let desperation prevent you from doing your due diligence.

“Avoid decisions to the last responsible moment.”

David Allen

Guest profile

One of the world’s most influential thinkers on productivity, David Allen’s 35 years of experience as a management consultant and executive coach have earned him worldwide recognition. His bestselling book, the groundbreaking Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, has sold millions and been published in thirty languages; and the “GTD” methodology it describes has become a global phenomenon, being taught by training companies in more than ninety countries. David, his company, and his partners are dedicated to teaching people how to stay relaxed and productive in our fast-paced world.

Worst investment ever

Needing help so that he can concentrate on his book

When David was writing his third book, he realized that he was so busy he needed someone to help him run his business. He decided to hire a manager, someone with a sales and marketing background, because that seemed to be what the company needed at the time.

Hardpressed to make a decision

David found a guy who had a good resume and seemed to be a good fit. However, the guy insisted that David makes a quick decision because he had another offer. So he decided quickly, without sufficient due diligence, to find out whether the guy was the right fit or not.

This turned out to be the worst investment David has ever made. The guy just didn’t fit into the company’s culture, and worse, he was making side deals and stealing from the company. It took David three years to realize he had hired the wrong guy.

Lessons learned

Don’t make decisions when under pressure

Don’t be pressured to make decisions. Slow down, hold back and wait until the pressure is off. Deciding under pressure will only cause you to make an emotionally driven decision that is often not the right one.

Andrew’s takeaways

Step away from pressure

Whenever you feel pressured, it’s okay to step back. Even if you miss the opportunity, there will always be another one coming.

Don’t let desperation prevent you from doing your due diligence

When you’re overloaded and in desperate need of assistance, and you find the solution you need, don’t get too excited and skip your due diligence. You still need to find out if the solution is the right one for you.

Actionable advice

Relax, take a breath and make sure that you’re building in some reflective process for yourself in your life.

No. 1 goal for the next 12 months

David’s number one goal for the next 12 months is to continue supporting his network of trainers, coaches, and licensees.