
Radical Candor: Communication at Work
The Cost of the Move-Fast-Break-Things Mentality 7 | 17
Apr 23, 2025
The dangers of a 'move fast and break things' mentality are laid bare, exposing how haste can undermine accountability and safety. Real-world consequences in research funding illustrate the critical need for thoughtful evaluation in decision-making. The podcast highlights how technological innovation can obscure hidden costs, especially in governance and educational equity. A call for fostering open debate within organizations underscores the importance of psychological safety and the need for cultures that value learning over speed.
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Quick takeaways
- Rapid innovation, while appealing, can lead to dangerous errors when accountability and careful decision-making are neglected in high-stakes environments.
- Fostering a culture that values open debate and psychological safety is essential to mitigate risks and improve strategic decision-making in organizations.
Deep dives
Understanding Move Fast and Break Things
The move fast and break things philosophy, popularized in tech circles, emphasizes rapid innovation at the expense of potential mistakes. This approach can foster innovation but also leads to significant errors, exemplified by real-world consequences when funding for critical research, such as Ebola, was abruptly halted. Recognizing the need for a balanced perspective, it is essential to differentiate between areas where swift action is beneficial and where caution is paramount, such as in healthcare or nuclear industries. A culture that embraces the acceptance of mistakes, as noted by Amy Edmondson’s research on psychological safety, can drive improvement and accountability.
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