John Wooden, one of the greatest coaches in sports history, once said, “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” At first glance, it seems like a contradiction. But in reality, it’s a philosophy that separates high-performing teams from chaotic ones.

Hurrying leads to mistakes. Being quick leads to results.

The difference? Control.

The Basketball Team That Hurried… and Lost

Picture a basketball team down by two points with seconds left on the clock. The pressure is high, adrenaline is pumping, and in the rush to score, a player takes a reckless shot instead of passing to an open teammate. The result? A missed opportunity.

Now imagine the same team, but instead of panicking, they execute a play they’ve rehearsed. The ball moves fluidly, the right pass is made, and the best shooter takes the shot. This time, they win.

Same speed. Different mindset. Quick, but not hurried.

The Corporate Team That Burned Out

In business, hurrying looks like rushing projects without clear direction, pushing for results without strategy, or overwhelming employees with unrealistic deadlines.

A marketing team, for example, might scramble to launch a campaign without fully understanding their audience. The work is fast, but the outcome is ineffective. Compare that to a team that moves quickly but thoughtfully, anticipating challenges, communicating clearly, and ensuring quality isn’t sacrificed for speed.

A rushed team makes mistakes. A quick team makes progress.

The Family That Learned to Slow Down

Even in family life, this idea applies. Parents often rush their kids from activity to activity, trying to maximise every moment. But in doing so, they create stress instead of connection.

The alternative? Being quick in action but intentional in presence. Prioritising the things that matter, without hurrying through life.

How to Apply It to Your Team

1. Think First, Act Fast – Whether in sport, business, or family, quick decision-making is important, but only after considering the options.

2. Slow Down to Speed Up – Teams that take time to plan move faster in the long run.

3. Recognise the Signs of Rushing – If mistakes, stress, or miscommunication are increasing, you’re hurrying, not moving quickly.

4. Trust the Process – Good teamwork is built on trust. When teams trust each other’s abilities, they don’t panic under pressure.

Final Thought

Speed is an advantage, but only when it’s under control. Whether you’re on the field, in a boardroom, or around a dinner table, the teams that thrive are the ones that move with intention, clarity, and purpose.

So, be quick, but don’t hurry. Because the best teams know when to accelerate and when to pause.