Move Fast and Break Things vs. Slow and Smooth

I was recently introduced to a Latin phrase, “Festina Lente,” that translates to “Make haste slowly.” The phrase encapsulates a profound concept that urges individuals to move slowly and deliberately to achieve greater efficiency and success in their endeavors. This paradoxical idea has deep roots in various philosophies, cultures, and historical contexts, reflecting the timeless wisdom of balancing speed with precision.

The origins of "Festina Lente" can be traced back to ancient Rome, where emperors Augustus and Titus adopted it as a motto. The concept is also associated with the Renaissance, particularly with Leonardo da Vinci, who embraced it as one of his guiding principles of innovation. At its core, "Festina Lente" suggests that individuals can ultimately progress more efficiently by planning, reflecting, and executing tasks with care. This approach seems to run counter to a concept I taught in entrepreneurship classes at Babson College and elsewhere.

The concept of failing fast and cheaply through rapid innovation, or as it is referred to in tech circles, “Move fast and break things,” runs contrary to the approach that emphasizes moving slowly, thoughtfully, and deliberately. So, which is correct? Which should leaders look to employ to achieve strategic advantage in their businesses?

Reconciling these two seemingly conflicting ideas requires a nuanced understanding of their contexts and implications. For instance, “Festina Lente” is well-suited for situations where careful consideration, long-term planning, and a risk-averse strategy are crucial. It is often employed in fields where precision and reliability are paramount. Consider Apple's meticulous approach to product development, where each new release is a result of careful planning and design, ensuring a seamless and reliable user experience.

On the other hand, “Move fast and break things” may find its place in industries characterized by rapid technological advancements, where agility, adaptability, and quick response to market demands are essential. It is often associated with the startup culture and disruptive innovation. This is evident in the fast-paced world of software development, where companies like Facebook (now Meta) continuously iterate on their platforms, introducing new features and learning from user feedback in real time.

The distinction between the two approaches isn’t as clear-cut in many businesses. This is where leaders need to be agile and flexible in integrating both approaches. Combining the thoughtful planning of "Festina Lente" with the agility of "Move fast and break things" allows for innovation without sacrificing quality. It involves strategically choosing when to move slowly and when to embrace a more dynamic, experimental approach. Take the automotive industry, for example, where companies like Tesla embrace both approaches by meticulously designing electric vehicles while also pushing the boundaries of autonomous driving technology.

Both concepts recognize the importance of learning from experiences. "Move fast and break things" acknowledges that failures are inevitable but should be seen as opportunities for improvement. Integrating this mindset with the deliberate pace of "Festina Lente" involves a continuous feedback loop, where lessons from both success and failure contribute to ongoing refinement.

The best example of the need for thoughtful integration of these two approaches can be seen in the rush toward implementing AI. Fearful of being seen as a buggy whip manufacturer during the advent of the automobile, every leader is rushing to understand how to integrate AI, or at least a good AI story, into their business.  As the tech industry has evolved, there has been a growing awareness of the ethical implications of moving too fast without considering potential consequences. Reconciling these approaches also involves incorporating ethical considerations into the innovation process, ensuring that speed doesn't compromise societal values or well-being.

Reconciling "Festina Lente" and "Move fast and break things" involves recognizing their strengths and weaknesses in different contexts and finding a balanced approach that embraces both careful planning and agile iteration. It's about understanding when to move slowly for precision and reliability and when to move quickly for innovation and adaptability. It is just another example of the complexities of leading in an age of rapid technological innovation.