Doing nothing may be the best move you can make?
Most Problems Solve Themselves
It might sound lazy, but it’s based on experience. I first discovered this during the busiest period of my career. I was a Sales Manager who was also running an internal startup called DirecPC (Canada’s first satellite-based internet access solution), all while doing a part-time MBA, and trying to be some kind of dad to my two preschool kids.
I was so busy that I just naturally defaulted to waiting until people asked for things a second and third time before responding or complying.
It revealed what became my second law of management:
Left alone, 90% of problems solve themselves.
You see, a lot of those “problems” never warranted follow-up by the initiator. I just never heard about it again. There was no second email, and no disasters occurred. I don’t remember anything ever blowing up in my face because of my “inattention” to detail. It was incredibly eye-opening. I slowly adopted the attitude that, “Well, if you’re not willing to at least ask twice…”
Ever since, I’ve applied this principle—be selective about what problems you jump on—throughout my business and personal lives.
Strategic Inaction
Many so-called ‘problems’ are actually quite fleeting. Priorities shift, rendering an issue inconsequential. Often, a simple misunderstanding or miscommunication can cause brief consternation. By letting the dust settle instead of immediately intervening, you give the situation time to breathe, messages to percolate, discussions to unfold, and the truth to emerge.
Jumping in too quickly can actually make matters worse, turning minor hiccups into real issues. In many cases, if left alone, teams and systems will correct themselves. The challenge is that leaders often feel compelled to control everything, when in fact, stepping back can be the smarter, more effective move.
I Didn’t Invent This: Modern Application of a Timeless Idea
This principle isn’t entirely new. In fact, it echoes ideas found in several domains.
In Eastern philosophy, both Buddhism and Daoism teach the value of calm observation and non-reactivity.
The Daoist concept of wu wei—non-doing or effortless action—perfectly captures the spirit of strategic inaction.
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Systems Thinking in the Wild
Systems thinking also supports this view. In complex environments, problems often contain the seeds of their own resolution. Feedback loops emerge, behaviour self-corrects, and balance is restored without top-down interference.
Think about how a population of rabbits in a forest might cause overgrazing if it increases too rapidly, but then attract more foxes, hawks and other predators that consume them, reducing the population of rabbits, and with them, predators, due to a decline in their available food source. Ecosystem balance is maintained by two negative feedback loops that continually interact without any external management. Or how, when a road becomes congested, drivers may seek alternative routes and adjust travel times, redistributing traffic more evenly, reducing congestion on the original road, and restoring balance.
Decision Theory and Behavioural Insight
Decision theory adds another layer; waiting can be a powerful strategy. Postponing a decision doesn’t always reflect indecisiveness; it can allow for clarity, perspective, or the resolution of the issue altogether.
Lastly, behavioural science reveals that humans are prone to cognitive biases. We often overestimate the urgency or magnitude of problems in the heat of the moment. Time brings context, and with it, the realization that many issues were never as important as they first appeared.
When It Doesn’t Work
Of course, not every problem should be ignored. The skilled small business manager can identify the critical 10% that do require swift and decisive action. Those issues that carry serious consequences (threats to safety, legal liability, deep structural failures, reputational risks) demand immediate attention, not strategic inaction.
But the remaining 90%?
Let Them Marinate
Doing nothing is not the same as being passive or negligent. It’s an active choice rooted in experience and judgment. It is about selective action, not avoidance. When used wisely, it’s a powerful management tool.
Some big issue gnawing at you?
Maybe you should let the universe handle it. You’ve got enough on your plate!
If you liked this, you might like this related post about trusting your gut when making decisions.
