The Hidden Cost of “Let’s Wait and See”
What happens when leadership gets stuck—and how to get things moving again
About a year after I left a previous role, I heard the board of directors still hadn’t acted on a decision that would reshape the organization’s future. We’re talking potential layoffs, a rebrand, major changes to fundraising strategy—a fundamental shift in direction. They’d researched it, debated it, even voted on it.
But more than a year later, nothing had changed.
Inside the organization, though, everyone already knew—and they were waiting. Staff didn’t know if their jobs were safe. Funders couldn’t get a straight answer. Strategic initiatives stalled while leadership held its breath.
And that pause? It’s not neutral.
As executive coach John Mattone puts it, “Indecisiveness is a hallmark of poor leadership.” He’s right—but the consequences go way beyond a label. In this case, the fallout was playing out in real time. Staff felt disengaged because the board’s silence felt like a betrayal. Morale was sinking. And senior leaders were burned out from trying to move things forward without a green light. As one of them put it at that time: “We just need to move on!”
Even governance experts admit this kind of paralysis is common. AMC Governance Solutions says:
“Every board faces moments of indecision... It is normal for a group of decision-makers to hesitate when facing a risky or challenging situation.”
Of course people freeze up when the stakes feel high. That’s human. But just because it’s understandable doesn’t mean it’s harmless.
I’ve Been There
I’ve sat in that waiting room too. When we were launching LehighValleyNews.com, leadership examined every detail. First the financial model—too long a timeline, they said. Then the business plan. Then the specific language. Then the rollout. Even the optics.
At the time, the senior team and I kept our heads down and adjusted. We thought we were being collaborative. Flexible. Responsible.
Looking back, I see it differently. We were reacting to indecision—and that has its own cost.
It’s Not Just a Board Thing
Boards often get the blame for moving slowly, but indecision isn’t just a boardroom issue. I’ve seen it on executive teams, in department meetings, across entire organizations. Sometimes it’s fear of making the wrong move. Sometimes it’s decision fatigue or analysis paralysis. Or maybe there’s just no clear sense of who gets to decide.
The reasons vary. The outcome doesn’t: things grind to a halt.
And while hesitation can feel like the safer move, sit in it too long and it starts doing damage. Trust erodes. Energy fades. Momentum disappears. Leaders may think they’re buying time—but they’re often just losing it.
How to Get Unstuck: Two Roles, One Goal
Whether you're making the call—or waiting for someone else to—indecision isn’t just one person’s problem. It’s a shared challenge. The tools look different depending on where you sit.
🎯 If You’re the Decision-Maker
It’s not just choosing between A or B. It’s how you lead when things are unclear—how you keep people focused, build trust, and make progress anyway.
1. Say what you’re afraid of.
Is it making the wrong call? Getting pushback? Looking unprepared? Fear does its best work when no one names it. Call it out—and invite others to help you sort it.
2. Try something small.
You don’t have to commit forever. Pilot it. Timebox it. Make it easy to walk back. People are more comfortable moving forward when they know the path isn’t permanent.
3. Come back to the mission.
When you're stuck, zoom out. Which choice better serves your mission, your values, your audience? Let that lead.
4. Don’t go silent.
If you’re delaying a decision, say so. Let people know why—and when they can expect movement. Silence breeds assumptions. Communication keeps trust intact.
🤝 If You’re on the Team
You can’t force someone above you to act. But you’re not stuck either. Here’s how to nudge things forward without overstepping:
1. Show the cost of waiting.
Use specifics. Lost funding. Missed deadlines. Partner confusion. Make the stakes visible. It’s hard to ignore what’s clearly slipping away.
2. Suggest a starting point.
Sometimes the logjam is just too many options. Offer one path as a “working draft” or “pilot plan.” Then ask for a go/no-go.
3. Keep the focus on impact.
Frame your concerns in terms of mission, not personal frustration. “We risk losing momentum with X audience” hits differently than “This is driving us nuts.”
4. Keep moving where you can.
Control what’s in your lane. Prep drafts. Line up collaborators. Build the scaffolding. That way, when the decision lands, you’re ready.
Leadership Isn’t Just Vision—It’s Movement
The real cost of indecision isn’t always obvious. It’s not just what gets delayed. It’s what gets demoralized. What gets dropped. What slowly loses energy.
Leaders set the pace. Teams feel the stall.
Whether you’re the one holding the call—or waiting on it—it’s not about perfection. It’s about momentum. Even when the way forward isn’t clear, you’ve got to keep things moving.
💬 What’s the hardest decision your organization is stuck on right now—and how are you navigating it?