Some alarms clang and some work silently. There are, however, particular circumstances when it is wise to observe and listen with care. Beware when the following are present:
- Extreme cleverness. "Too clever by half" is the great old description for a smart move that, upon reflection, isn't all that smart.
- Tight deadlines. Unless it is an absolute bullets-flying and blood-pumping emergency, don't rush to make your mistakes.
- No downsides. There are always downsides. They may not be large but they are always there.
- Precedent-breaking. As the poet said, don't tear down a wall until you know why it was put up.
- A temporary solution. Temporary practices can have long lives.
- An underestimated opposition. Those slugs may show you some new and creative strategies.
- Secrecy. As a general rule, if you cannot shout your goals from the rooftops, it is time to reconsider. Are there ethical reasons for the secrecy?
- You're in love. It is very easy to fall in love with an idea, overlook its negatives, and lock the door to objectivity. A long courtship has its virtues.
- Others?
[Photo by ali barzegarahmadi at Unsplash]
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