Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. This business fable is about adapting quickly to change. The characters who succeed are those who make fast decisions and act, rather than waiting for perfect information or circumstances. The story is widely used in American business to encourage employees to embrace quick, adaptive decision-making.
Bad Blood
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou. This investigative account of the Theranos scandal highlights how rapid, sometimes reckless, decision-making is embedded in American startup culture. Executives and investors often made decisions quickly to seize opportunities, sometimes at the expense of thoroughness. The book underscores both the benefits and dangers of the “move fast, fix later” approach.
“Time is money”
“Time is money.” Time wasted is opportunity lost; acting quickly is essential for success.
“Strike while the iron is hot.”
“Strike while the iron is hot.” Take action at the right moment-don’t wait, or you might miss your chance.
“… enemy of the good”
“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good.” It’s better to make a good decision quickly than to wait for a perfect one that may never come.
move fast
“Move fast and break things.” Innovate quickly, even if it means making mistakes along the way (popularized by Silicon Valley/startup culture).
Just do it
“Just do it.” Take action now; don’t overthink or hesitate (famously used by Nike).
deeply personal
9 to 5 (1980). Three women, frustrated by their sexist boss, band together to improve their toxic workplace. The feedback they receive – dismissal, condescension, and lack of recognition – is deeply personal and motivates them to take action. Their eventual success is celebrated as both professional and personal vindication.