Do you take action too soon or wait until the facts are better known?

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 11:37:23 -0400

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 11:49 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 11:49:37 -0400

We had money disappearing from a resident's room in a nursing home. I "planted" some bills dusted with thieves powder.

The next day a maintenance man was walking up the hallway and I saw the telling purple on his hands. We went to my office and I asked him to show me the money in his wallet. Sure enough more purple bills. I asked where he had gotten the bills. His response - Hell I don't know. Do you know where you got the bills in your wallet?"

I pressured him to try harder to remember. He said he had gotten some bills as change from the vending machine man. I them checked with the vendor and sure enough the vendor had found some purple bills in the machine.

I was glad I didn'tjust fire him when the "proof" was on his hands.

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 11:49 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 11:49:45 -0400

I like to begin action yet remain flexible enough to adjust the plan enroute.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Oct 12 at 2015 12:12 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 12:12:30 -0400

Well taking action too soon is by definition not a good idea Capt Private RallyPoint Member :-)
I always try to take action with sufficient information and or providing sufficient time to subordinates to plan and coordinate as necessary.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 12 at 2015 1:53 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 13:53:58 -0400

Capt Private RallyPoint Member - While I certainly try to get complete info before taking action, that is not always possible. I guess my answer is the old standby, "It depends on the situation".

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2015 2:04 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 14:04:36 -0400

I also think acting too quickly allows us to error because we may act on emotions rather than facts.