The pursuit of speed in decision-making and project execution can often lead to a counterintuitive outcome: the suppression of serendipity. Serendipity, or the act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it, is a crucial component of innovation and creativity. However, in the rush to meet deadlines and deliver results quickly, teams may inadvertently create an environment that is hostile to serendipity. This can happen when teams focus too narrowly on their goals, leaving little room for exploration or deviation from the planned course. The mechanism behind this is straightforward: when teams prioritize speed, they tend to rely on established processes and protocols, which can stifle the kind of free-ranging exploration that often leads to serendipitous discoveries.

A vivid example of this can be seen in the story of Post-it Notes. In the 1960s, 3M scientist Spencer Silver was attempting to develop a strong adhesive, but he ended up creating a weak, pressure-sensitive adhesive instead. Initially, the company didn't know what to do with this new adhesive, but later, another 3M scientist, Art Fry, used it to create the first Post-it Notes. This discovery was a direct result of serendipity, and it highlights the importance of allowing for exploration and creativity in the development process.

The implications of this are clear: teams that prioritize speed above all else may be sacrificing their ability to stumble upon new and innovative ideas. This can have long-term consequences for a company's ability to adapt and evolve in a rapidly changing environment. By leaving some room for serendipity, teams can create an environment that is more conducive to creativity and innovation.