The Hidden Cost of Indecision: Why Waiting Is Your Biggest Risk
- Mr. Michael Gansman
- Oct 12
- 2 min read
In today’s economy, uncertainty is the default setting. Leaders are navigating rising costs, unpredictable demand, and tighter access to capital. With so many variables at play, it’s tempting to hold off on decisions until things “settle down.” But here’s the reality: delaying a decision is still a decision. And usually, it’s the most expensive one you can make.
Every day that leaders wait, opportunity costs stack up:
That role you didn’t fill leaves your existing team overextended.
That system upgrade you delayed is putting you behind competitors who are already moving faster.
That prospect you didn’t call back? They may already be meeting with your competitor.
This is what I call the paralysis of analysis - leaders gathering more data, waiting for “certainty,” and missing the window where momentum actually matters.
The strongest companies in Q4 aren’t the ones with the perfect plan. They’re the ones willing to act with 70% of the information, then adjust in motion. They know resilience doesn’t come from hesitation - it comes from the ability to course-correct while moving forward.
So how do you break through?
Define the cost of waiting. Don’t just look at the cost of acting - look at what the delay is costing you in revenue, trust, opportunity, and people.
Pick one decision. Don’t try to solve everything at once. Move on the one thing that will make the biggest impact.
Commit to action. Imperfect execution is better than perfect inaction.
Q4 isn’t the time to stall. It’s the time to lead. Your competitors aren’t waiting - and neither are your buyers.
At The Gansman Group, we help CEOs and leadership teams cut through indecision, make confident moves, and build revenue engines that scale.
If you’re ready to move, let’s talk.
My best,
Michael Gansman