Learnings from Newtons Law of Motion "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction."

“How did I not see that coming?”

Every Leader in an organization has that moment where an employee leaves, a customer says “no”, or a competitor out bids you on an RFP.   Leaders and Shareholders do not like the unexpected, surprises or being blind sided.  Often these surprises come from not understanding the “reactions to your actions”.

Newton Law of Motion… “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

 Isaac Newton, as the myth is often described, sitting under an apple tree discovered the 3 laws of motion after being struck by an apple that unexpectedly fell on his head.  Of the 3 laws, my favorite is “Every action upon an object has an equal and opposite reaction”.  I believe that peoples’ actions subscribe to the same Newton law as an object.  It’s only more complex with people.  Give feedback to an employee, they freeze up.  Give feedback to an employee, they give YOU feedback.  Give feedback to an employee, they work harder.  Give feedback to at an employee, they call HR.  

What’s the reaction to the action?  

In Sales, Leadership and even your relationships, understanding the reaction to your actions is vital to being successful.  The best Salespeople can anticipate the reaction to a proposal before they present it.  They can anticipate the reaction from competitors before making a move.  The Best Leaders can anticipate their team’s reaction to a strategy or directive before they outline it during a meeting.   In my view, understanding the reaction is exponentially more important for a leader than the action itself.  The reaction to your action will result in success or failure of your initiative.

 A bias toward action… no decision IS a decision.

It’s important to study the potential reactions to your actions before you decide to move forward, however, you must move forward.  There is nothing worse in an organization when teams and Leaders fail to act.  Look to avoid “paralysis by analysis” or “group think”.  Get movement.  Support a bias toward action in your teams.  Find ways to move the conversation, get teammates comfortable with being Uncomfortable.  Look to influence the reactions to your actions.  If you see trouble ahead, adjust.  A bike is easier to steer while in motion.

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction in nature and in organizations.  The next time you are faced with key decisions within your team, you will be able to dodge that unexpected falling apple.

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