The Criticality Of Timing: How Lex Happened

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Aug 18, 2023
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The Criticality Of Timing: How Lex Happened
Timing plays a crucial role in the outcome of our work, just as much as other variables. It is a factor that deserves our respect and attention. Companies, like meeting a loved one, require the right timing for a great match. It is not just about capabilities and shared values, but also about the unique needs, opportunities, and insecurities they face at any given point in time.
In leading an industry, companies often require different leaders or different leadership styles at different times. This highlights the importance of waiting for the process to unfold. Achieving a vision without disrupting the system requires periods of generating buy-in, exhaustive testing, and allowing time for ideas to sink in and for people to get on board. Patience is key.
Pacing is another crucial aspect, and it is important to prioritize focus over the pursuit of every new idea. Most new ideas should be killed off to maintain focus. Only the best leaders can strike a balance between healthy incrementalism and the occasional transformational jolt when needed. Incrementalism, while necessary, can limit the market size of a business as it often settles for the local maximum instead of pushing for greater growth.
However, timing is critical, and sometimes new ideas require full execution before they can truly function. The best teams understand when to do this and have the ability to reorganize to make it happen. They can leverage existing forces in their favor and remain grounded in the present while capturing a tailwind.
In the context of investing, timing becomes a discipline focused on the future but determined by the present. To make accurate forecasts, it is essential to have a deep understanding of present-day problems and humanity's needs and desires. John Maxwell's six principles of being valued, appreciated, trusted, respected, understood, and protected from being taken advantage of, resonate in this context. Additionally, basic human values such as finding joy, exploring curiosity, connecting with like-minds, stimulating pride, increasing social status, and influencing society should be considered.
When it comes to investing at the right time, one should look for teams that are defying a likely outcome or aiming to make it happen in a better way. Investing in the latter ensures that the team has a clear vision and purpose. Scott Belsky's criteria for investing align with this approach.
Now, let's explore how Lex happened and see how timing played a role in its success. Lex is an AI platform that has the potential to transform various industries. The creators of Lex recognized the opportunity and rode the wave of AI as a new "raw material" for developers. They understood that they didn't need to invent something entirely new but rather make use of this incredible tool.
In the early stages of marketing Lex, the team realized that their initial approach was too modest. They understood the importance of making a strong sell and showcasing the value of their product. Great products are often easy to understand, so they simplified their message and made it accessible to their target audience.
One of the key lessons from Lex's journey is to listen to your heart. Sometimes, you may have no idea where a certain path will lead, but if you believe in it and find it cool, it's worth exploring. You never know what opportunities may arise from following your passion.
To conclude, timing is a critical factor in the success of any endeavor. Understanding the unique needs and opportunities of a given moment, waiting for processes to unfold, and striking a balance between incrementalism and transformation are all essential. Investing at the right time requires a deep understanding of the present and a vision for the future. And in the case of Lex, riding the wave of AI, making a strong sell, and simplifying the product's message were key factors in its success.
Three actionable advice to take away from these insights are:
- 1. Embrace patience and allow processes to unfold. Don't rush to push ideas to fruition too quickly. Take the time to generate buy-in, test exhaustively, and let ideas sink in before expecting others to get on board.
- 2. Prioritize focus and selectively pursue new ideas. Not every idea needs to be pursued. Choose the best ideas that align with your vision and goals, and focus on executing them effectively.
- 3. Listen to your intuition and follow your passion. Sometimes, you may not have a clear path ahead, but if something excites you and aligns with your values, find a way to pursue it. You never know where it may lead.
By incorporating these principles into your work and decision-making processes, you can harness the criticality of timing and increase your chances of success.
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