In this episode, Simon explores false deadlines, those artificial timeframes that can stop us from acting on opportunities when it matters most. Inspired by an article from Pollyanna Lenkic and a recent client conversation about a strategic decision-making program, he looks at how these deadlines can delay value, distort priorities, and even lead to missed opportunities, like holding off on cancelling unnecessary projects or missing out on hiring a standout candidate.

The question for reflection is simple but powerful: Where in your organisation are you either implementing false deadlines or being constrained by them, and what are the negative implications? How might they lead to misalignment or poor behaviors when we stick to the deadline instead of making the right decision at the right time?

As always, the episode closes with five minutes of silence. Time to sit with the question, notice what comes up, and gently move a little bit forward.

Show notes:

You can find Pollyanna’s original article here.