When speed compromises research quality, clear expectations, training in efficient methods, and regular progress checks are key. By balancing thoroughness with deadlines and addressing gaps early, you ensure your team delivers accurate, high-quality insights.

Sacrificing quality analysis for speed is a hurdle because you want to provide your client much needed info as quickly as possible. But it’s not OK to sacrifice anything. Setting up strong processes is a no brainer but I would suggest informing your client they will receive top line findings first (short & sweet) with more knowledge depth findings next. This keeps the “speed” component of the project moving ahead without sacrificing anything.

If a team member sacrifices research quality for speed, start by having a private conversation to understand their perspective and pressures. Emphasize the importance of quality in delivering reliable insights and how cutting corners can affect the project’s credibility. Offer guidance on balancing deadlines with thorough work, such as prioritizing key tasks or leveraging efficient tools. Provide support, whether through workload adjustments or additional resources, to help them manage time better. Reinforce a culture where quality is non-negotiable while also showing empathy for the challenges they’re facing.