Timing is Everything

A mother had 3 children who all wanted a new toy. But since it was neither their birthday nor a special occasion, they knew they had to find the right time to ask.

Child No.1 approached his mother after finishing his meal and homework and says "Mummy, I've been a good boy and finished my food and homework. Can you buy me a toy?" The mother nodded and said, "Sure honey. We'll pick one up the next time we're at the store."

Child No.2 decided to show his sincerity by helping out with the chores. "Mummy, I've washed the dishes and folded the clothes. I've even helped packed my brothers' schoolbags for tomorrow. Can I have a toy now?" To which mummy replied the same thing. "We'll pick one up the next time we're at the store."

Seeing his brothers tried and failed, Child No.3 thought long and hard. He decided to follow his mum for their usual grocery shopping. While out alone with mum, he said, "Mummy, you promised to buy toys for my brothers the next time we're at the store. Well, the store is around the corner and like you've always taught us, we need to always keep our word. Can I pick up the toys for my brothers?" The mother felt so touched by her son that she decided to buy all 3 boys a toy each.

Out of all 3 boys, Child No.3 put in the least effort and achieved the greatest result. Why?

Simple. He chose the perfect timing and was at the right place to ask.

This applies to all of us in our daily lives. There is always a perfect time for everything. The question is, do we know how to identify it? Like a marriage proposal, one does not simply whip out a ring and propose. It requires careful planning, a dinner, flowers, the right romantic mood and setting before proposing.

In business, the same thing applies. I once sat in a very hostile board of directors for a full year without saying anything. Simply observing the situation, understanding the unspoken hierarchical order and group dynamism before deciding how I should push forth a proposal. It took me a full year of monthly meetings to understand who the decision makers (the drivers) of the group were and what I needed to do to convince them of my proposal. Sure enough, once I understood, it was easy to strategize the right timing and achieve maximum success with minimal efforts.

I've noticed that the most successful people are those that recognize the importance of timing. When, where and at what situation makes all the difference. Whether you're waiting to ask your boss for that dream promotion or telling that someone how much he/she means to you, the same applies. When, Where and at What situation determines how effective your results will be.

The next you have a dilemma about what to do or how to do it, consider the 3 Ws. Set yourself up for success by creating the right timing, place and situation before jumping into it. Trust me, if you do this correctly, you will succeed almost 100% of the time.

Timing is everything.