One of the things I see over and over again, especially in my work helping companies with hiring tools, selecting, and developing their people, is this:

Often leaders shave steps early to save a little time… and then spend a LOT more time (and money) dealing with the consequences later.

For example, I’ve watched companies remove drug testing, pre-employment assessments, background checks, and other screening steps because “they slow things down.” Sometimes it’s 20 minutes. Sometimes it’s an hour. Either way, they want speed.

But here’s what happens next:

  • Turnover increases
  • Labor costs escalate
  • Sales opportunities get blown.

That tiny bit of time they saved up front? It adds tenfold in cleanup work.

And hiring is just one example.

I’ve seen the same thing in:

  • Sales (skipping discovery to present faster)
  • Operations (rushing or skipping quality, maintenance, or safety checks)
  • Finance (quick approvals without review)

Different departments, same story.

Speed feels good in the moment. But, the bill for that speed comes later.

And, the interest rate is always higher than expected.

The most effective leaders I know don’t chase “fast.” They chase right.

It means a little more intention early, a few guardrails in the process, and a willingness to slow down where it matters.

They do this because they’ve learned a simple truth:

If you don’t take the time to do it right the first time, you’ll spend far more time fixing it later.

So here’s the question I keep asking myself, and encouraging my clients to ask too:

Where are we moving fast… at the expense of doing it right?

That’s usually where the biggest opportunities, and the biggest risks, are hiding.

About the author: Mason Duchatschek is an expert in employee selection, engagement, and retention. He is the author of several bestselling books, including People Matter Most and Inclusive Leadership: Unleashing the Power of People. His ideas have been featured in Selling Power, Entrepreneur, and the New York Times.

Learn more at WorkforceAlchemy.com – home of the Hiring Suite Assessment system.