The Creativity Suite. Episode 147: The Law of Intended Consequences
Interview with Roshanie J Moraes, an accomplished corporate leader in Sri Lanka.
In the world of creativity and innovation, ideas are often celebrated as the catalysts of change. Yet, as Roshanie J Moraes, an accomplished corporate leader, insightfully points out, “Everybody has ideas, but where most people and businesses fail is at the point of execution.” This observation brings us to a powerful concept: the Law of Intended Consequences. Unlike the more commonly discussed unintended consequences, which highlight the unforeseen outcomes of actions, the Law of Intended Consequences is about the deliberate, planned, and purposeful actions that drive a desired result. It is about the power of getting things done with intention, focus, and disciplined execution.
Beyond the Idea: The Execution Mindset
Creativity often begins with a burst of inspiration, a “eureka” moment that lights up the room. However, without the rigor of execution, even the brightest ideas can remain just that – ideas. In her conversation with me, Roshanie emphasizes that the real work begins after the idea is born. She suggests that creativity in execution is about “breaking it down into small pieces, bite-sized pieces, putting a date, a time, a resource behind it, and putting a name.”
This is where the Law of Intended Consequences comes into play. It’s not about leaving things to chance or hoping for the best. It’s about intentional actions that align with a clear outcome. Each step in the execution process is designed to move the needle forward, making creativity a disciplined pursuit rather than a fleeting moment of inspiration.
The Power of Intentional Action
The Law of Intended Consequences is a reminder that purposeful execution is the key to turning creative ideas into reality. Roshanie’s approach to leadership and project management is a testament to this principle. She explains that in her career, she has seen brilliant ideas remain stuck in the pipeline for years due to a lack of focused execution. By bringing a sense of urgency, structure, and clarity to the process – by giving dates, assigning names, and setting specific tasks – she managed to bring these ideas to market and achieve remarkable success.
Roshanie highlights the importance of what she calls “diligent energy.” Unlike the quick burst of excitement that accompanies the ideation phase, diligent energy is the consistent, steady force that keeps the team moving forward. It’s about pushing through the mundane and the tedious, all while keeping the ultimate goal in sight. This kind of intentional, sustained effort ensures that every action taken is a step toward the intended outcome.
Creative Execution: Marrying Creativity with Discipline
Many people believe creativity is all about freewheeling ideas and endless brainstorming. However, Roshanie believes that creativity also exists in the way we execute ideas. She advocates for “creative execution” – a process where one finds innovative ways to solve problems, streamline tasks, and keep the project moving, especially when faced with obstacles.
She compares this to a marriage. When you first fall in love, there is excitement and passion. But as time goes on, maintaining a relationship requires deliberate effort, compromise and hard work. Similarly, after the initial excitement of a new idea, creative execution demands that same kind of intentionality and commitment. It involves breaking down the journey into manageable steps, consistently reviewing progress, and making adjustments as needed.
Diligent Energy: The Fuel for Execution
Roshanie introduces the concept of “diligent energy” as the fuel that powers the Law of Intended Consequences. Diligent energy is not the high-octane burst of a new idea; it is the slow-burning fire that keeps teams focused, motivated, and aligned over time. This energy is about consistently showing up, ticking off tasks, and making incremental progress. It’s about seeing the big picture but being committed to the small, day-to-day actions that will eventually lead to that vision.
She describes how she keeps her team engaged by painting a vivid picture of the end goal, whether it’s a new product on the supermarket shelves or a large-scale project coming to life. By constantly aligning the team with the intended outcome, she ensures that every member remains focused and energized, even when the work becomes tedious.
Making the Intended Consequences Happen
For leaders and creatives alike, understanding the Law of Intended Consequences means embracing the power of execution. It means recognizing that while ideas are important, they are just the beginning. The real impact comes from what happens next: the planning, the follow-through, the adjustments, and the relentless drive to see things through to completion.
As Roshanie succinctly puts it, “Creativity does not automatically translate into a result or execution; it must be intentional.” In other words, creativity isn’t just about having ideas – it’s about making them happen.
Conclusion: Harnessing the Law of Intended Consequences
The Law of Intended Consequences is a call to action for anyone looking to transform ideas into impactful outcomes. It reminds us that the path from ideation to execution is paved with deliberate choices, careful planning, and diligent energy. Creativity, therefore, is not just the spark of inspiration; it is the disciplined pursuit of a vision through purposeful execution.
By mastering the art of getting things done with intention, we can ensure that our creative efforts lead to meaningful, intended consequences. In a world overflowing with ideas, those who understand the power of execution will stand out, leaving a lasting mark through the work they bring to life.
20
Feb