#3 - Don't mistake movement for action

Every tennis fan knows the big three of our era: Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal. They’ve dominated the sport for years, winning well over 80% of their ATP matches and claiming nearly every important title between them. Yet, on average, they’ve only won about 52% of points throughout their careers. Which means the greatest players of all time win by mastering the moments that matter, not by overwhelming the scoreboard.

This principle extends beyond sports. I've seen many highly capable individuals and teams fall short of making truly great impact. Sure, they meet deadlines, keep projects moving, and stay in everyone’s good books, but something vital is missing. And this is not due to a lack of intelligence, hard work, or ambition. What they often lack is the judgement to discern what truly matters and not mistake movement for action.

One of the reasons this happens is that when things get murky, motion quickly becomes a coping mechanism. When in doubt, most people act. Not to solve the problem, but to escape the discomfort and awkward silence of having to think deeply about the challenge they're faced with.

This is where leaders can help, by recognising the importance of good judgement. If a team struggles to make a true impact, don't add more pressure but give them permission to pause and prioritise thinking over rushing into action. Help them see the handful of moments that will bend the arc of the whole effort. Help them understand that not all effort is created equal.

Remember: Djokovic, Federer and Nadal aren't greats because they won every point. They are greats because they knew which ones to win. That's the difference between movement and action. That's impact.