What Kind of "Fast Paced Environment" Are We Talking About?

The term "fast paced environment" (FPE) seemed to come into prominence in the dot.com era of the late 1990s. At that time, the term, which was often used in job descriptions and the like, seemed to say...."This isn't an industrial era, bureaucratic company. If you want to work here, you need to be aggressive and expect to work hard. We're in the race to win". The term, was effectively used to advertise for 'the right kind of employee', while at the same time promise excitement and success. More often than not though, when I hear this term I've come to suspect a more dysfunctional kind of environment.

Some FPEs are healthy and are likely to survive, sustain, and grow, while others are predisposed to self destruct. The most common element differentiating these two environments, healthy vs. unhealthy, is the entity's clarity of purpose.

If everyone is moving in a clear and unified direction...a team will likely perform, and be able to sustain an intense working environment for a prolonged period.

Companies with a culture that is described as 'fast paced' because: priorities are changing weekly, employees are bumping into one another, and the business runs in a perpetual state of chaos....tend to have less promising futures.

A business with a highly motivated and aggressive team without a clear and unified purpose is likely to eventually devolve. People will establish their own priorities; competition will follow, and much of the company's resources will be wasted on infighting, stutter steps, and half efforts. Turnover will eventually ensue, and the problems will intensify. These companies can represent opportunities for prospective senior managers and experienced business consultants, but beware of this type of fast paced environment if you're seeking a position without the influence to make the requisite changes.