Hi Reader,

“We can’t do that!”

I’ve heard those words plenty of times during my 38 years in the Navy. But one particular occasion stands out.

When COVID-19 hit, I was the Commanding Officer of the Navy’s Pay and Personnel Support Command. We had approximately 2,400 military and civilian employees at 26 locations supporting more than 420,000 Sailors and their families.

Suddenly, we faced a serious problem:

How could we keep our people safe while continuing to accomplish our mission?

We had no established provisions for teleworking.

I heard plenty of objections. What about authorization? How would we do it? What if something went wrong?

But I knew what mattered most: protect our people while continuing to deliver essential services.

So I made the decision to begin sending people home to telework.

We didn’t have every answer. We figured out the obstacles as we went, adjusted our approach, and kept the mission moving.

And it worked!

Here’s the leadership lesson.

Sometimes we make decisions unnecessarily complicated because we’re trying to figure out everything before we begin.

But you don’t always need a perfect plan.

You need enough clarity to decide what matters most and take the next meaningful step.

Here’s something you can try today:

1. Get clear. What are you trying to accomplish?
2. Identify the obstacle. What’s really preventing you from moving forward?
3. Decide. What’s one action you can take in the next 5–15 minutes?
4. Act and adjust. Take that step, see what happens, and decide what comes next.

Of course, important decisions deserve appropriate thought and consideration. The point isn’t to be reckless. It’s to avoid letting uncertainty prevent progress.

Remember:

Less uncertainty. More clarity. One meaningful action.

DECIDE. ACT. NEXT!

Keep charging to keep your mission green! 🟢

Michael
To Getting It Done!

P.S. What problem can I help you solve today? Facing a leadership, business, or execution challenge? Feeling overwhelmed or unsure what to do next? Tell me what’s going on. I’ll personally read your message and, if I can help, send you a practical place to start. No pressure. No preparation. Just tell me what’s on your mind. ​👉 Tell Me What Problem You’re Trying to Solve →​ Captain Michael Whitt, USN (Ret.) To Getting It Done Leadership 🌐​togettingitdone.com​​ 📧 ​michael@togettingitdone.com​​ 📱​(808) 295-1591​​ ⚓ Mission Check: Did you leave someone, somewhere, or something a little better today? ​​​

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