Cautiousness is defined as “taking time to ensure the right decision is made or action is taken.”

In our American culture’s view of what it takes to be successful, cautiousness is often undervalued in the same way that meekness or humility or deference are undervalued and seen as fear or weakness. We tend to idolize bold, risk-takers over those who take carefully measured steps. We often value speed over careful discernment.

In the 1993 movie, Jurassic Park, you might recall Dr. Ian Malcolm (played by Jeff Goldblum) telling park creator John Hammond, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn’t stop to think if they should.” Sometimes we get so caught up in our desires to “do great things” that we fail to consider the potential dangers or risks of our decisions and actions. If you watched the movie, you know how that turned out.

In competitive golf, there is a strategy that illustrates cautiousness. It goes like this, “Have a conservative game plan with an aggressive swing.”  In other words, choose the safest lines of play, but then execute your plan with confidence.

One of the game’s great champions, Tommy Armour, said “Play the shot that makes the next shot easy” and “Never aim in a direction where, if you hit it straight, you will be in trouble.”  These rules of golf decision-making are about forethought that considers  both potential hazards and negative outcomes, and they apply to life as well as golf.

We frequently hear of the value of cautiousness in sage old sayings like “Measure twice and cut once” or “Look before you leap.”

There are times when what some call boldness or courage are extremely ill advised, times when “throwing caution to the wind” is simply foolish. Here are just a few examples of when cautiousness is critical:

Cautiousness is critical when hiring people. It’s the most important thing an organization does and impatience or failure to be circumspect is almost always costly.

Another time that calls for extreme caution might be phrased, “when drawing battle lines.” The old saying “Pick your battles” applies to more than just parenting. There are numerous examples where nations, states, and cities have thrown caution to the wind in choosing to go to battle with others and it has cost them dearly.

Another time to exercise cautiousness is when emotion-filled situations can bring rash decisions and impulsive actions with irreparable consequences.

And for one last example, cautiousness is thrown out the window at great cost when clear warnings have been made. In Oklahoma, we certainly understand that failure to heed warnings from reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service, can be deadly.

When the cost of a poor decision is high, cautiousness is not fear or weakness; it is simply very prudent and wise.

Failures of cautiousness can be a product of big egos, but they can also result from healthy ambitions that get excitable and reckless.  If cautiousness is not one of your strengths, there are ways to slow down and avoid big blunders.

First and foremost, check yourself by engaging wise advisers and getting input from respected team members. Ask yourselves, “What do our core values say about how best to proceed?” and, “Will our decisions lead to better relationships and respect for everyone involved?” Also ask, “What might be the unintended consequences of our decisions and actions?” and, “Will they lead to better collaboration and service to others?”

Proverbs 15:22 is one of several that advise cautious wisdom, saying, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Cautiousness is the “wisdom way” to real success.  So, whether you’re making important decisions in life or just having fun on the golf course, cautiousness will help you avoid the rough patches and hazards along the way.