When first hearing the word “clues,” your mind might start envisioning great fictional detectives such as Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple, but in the business world it is essential for every leader to be prepared to recognize and address the dangerous signs that lead to lowered productivity and overall dysfunction. Fortunately, in contrast to many best-selling detective novels, the clues needed to solve this case are almost always comprised of the same list of usual suspects. 

A careful examination requires the business leader to comb over details with the thoroughness of a magnifying glass to see if the first signs of trouble have begun to sneaking up on the company. These symptoms may seem harmless at first, but have the potential to multiply and wreak havoc once your guard is down.

An early warning sign is deferral of decision making. The realization that decisions aren’t being made or, if made, they must be thought and rethought before action can be taken. The lack of forward movement can be invisible at first, but eventually becomes a powerful intruder that can cripple a company. 

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