In April 1670, after four grueling months of deliberation, the College of Cardinals finally emerged from their conclave with white smoke and a new pope: Emilio Altieri, who took the name Clement X. Four months. In today's world of instant decisions and rapid deployment cycles, that timeline seems almost absurd.
But here's what's fascinating about that marathon decision-making process: they were choosing someone who would lead one of the world's most influential institutions for potentially decades. The cardinals understood that getting it right mattered more than getting it fast. They debated, they prayed, they argued, and they waited for consensus on a choice that would shape millions of lives.
As tech leaders, we're constantly pressured to move faster—ship sooner, decide quicker, pivot immediately. And yes, speed matters in our industry. But some decisions deserve the "papal conclave treatment." Choosing your co-founder, deciding on your company's core architecture, or selecting key leadership team members aren't sprint decisions. They're the choices that will echo through your organization for years. Sometimes the best thing you can do is resist the urge to rush, gather more perspectives, and trust that the right decision will emerge when it's ready. The cardinals of 1670 knew something we often forget: great choices are worth the wait.
Note: Historical details may vary by source.