Parking Future Ideas: The Role of a 'Wait/Work' Board in Strategic Execution

In our previous discussion about managing the "big rocks"—those major, resource-intensive initiatives critical to an organization’s success—we explored the importance of dedicating focus and resources to what truly drives value. However, as any leader knows, while current strategic initiatives are being executed, new ideas, opportunities, and potential projects constantly emerge. How can organizations balance the need to advance these "big rocks" while ensuring that promising new initiatives aren't neglected?

This is where the concept of a "wait/work" board becomes an invaluable tool. By creating a place to "park" future initiatives, organizations can focus on the present without losing sight of what lies ahead.

From "Big Rocks" to Future Ideas: The Need for a Strategic Parking Lot

While executing key initiatives, leaders often face the challenge of balancing immediate priorities with long-term opportunities. The "big rocks" typically consume significant resources, including staff time, budget, and leadership focus. Attempting to juggle too many initiatives simultaneously can lead to overburden, diluting the attention necessary to drive success in any one area.

Enter the "wait/work" board—a strategic parking lot for ideas that are important but not yet ready for action. By placing emerging ideas and potential initiatives on this board, organizations can ensure they have a structured process for revisiting, vetting, and prioritizing future work. This approach not only prevents overloading the team but also provides a framework for thoughtful, measured growth.

The Benefits of Parking Ideas

1. Preserving Focus on Active "Big Rocks"
   As mentioned in the "big rocks" article, focusing on a limited number of critical initiatives is essential for sustained success. The "wait/work" board allows leaders to park ideas that are not yet ready for action, ensuring they don’t become distractions. This keeps the organization focused on executing current strategic initiatives without being sidetracked by new opportunities, which can be addressed later when capacity allows.

2. A System for Vetting Future Initiatives
   Not all ideas are ready for immediate action, nor do all of them align with the organization’s current strategic direction. The "wait/work" board provides a system for vetting future initiatives—allowing leadership to study the potential impact, feasibility, and alignment with long-term goals. By having a designated place to park these ideas, the organization can systematically evaluate which initiatives truly warrant attention and resources when the time is right.

3. Ensuring Organizational Agility
   Strategic agility is key to adapting in today’s dynamic environment. The "wait/work" board ensures that the organization maintains flexibility, allowing leadership to pivot and prioritize new initiatives when current projects reach stable performance. Having a pool of well-vetted ideas on standby enhances the organization’s ability to respond to emerging opportunities without compromising the quality or focus of ongoing work.

4. Avoiding Overburden
   One of the biggest risks to an organization’s success is attempting to do too much, too fast. By parking future initiatives on the "wait/work" board, leaders can avoid overburdening the team and ensure that resources are allocated where they will have the greatest impact. This controlled pace helps maintain high morale, reduce burnout, and ensure that each strategic initiative receives the attention it deserves.

5. Promoting Long-Term Strategic Thinking
   The "wait/work" board encourages long-term thinking by keeping future initiatives on the radar without the pressure to act on them prematurely. It enables the leadership team to continuously scan the horizon for opportunities while also refining and improving initiatives before they are activated. This proactive approach ensures that the organization remains forward-thinking, with a well-developed pipeline of future strategic initiatives.

Moving Forward with Strategic Discipline

As we continue to focus on executing our "big rocks," the "wait/work" board provides a critical mechanism for managing future growth. It offers a way to balance the immediate need for focus with the long-term need for innovation and adaptability. By creating a parking lot for ideas, leaders can ensure that the right initiatives are prioritized at the right time, leading to more sustainable success.

In conclusion, the "wait/work" board is an essential tool for any organization committed to strategic discipline. It allows leaders to avoid overburden, prioritize initiatives with confidence, and remain agile in the face of new opportunities. As we continue to tackle our "big rocks," let’s not forget the value of having a place to park the ideas that will shape the future.