In this episode of the Make Work Not Suck podcast, Daniel Steere and Ryan Hodges explore the art of applying pressure strategically within your business. Knowing when to push, when to hold back, and how to avoid organizational whiplash can mean the difference between success and burnout. Too often, executives press for results too late or with the wrong approach, causing more harm than good.

Learn how to balance results with the ongoing journey of growth in your business. Using real-world examples and insights from their own experiences, Daniel and Ryan reveal how to effectively nudge your team in the right direction without causing chaos. Whether you’re leading a product launch, navigating change management, or simply trying to hit your quarterly goals, this episode breaks down how to apply pressure that moves the needle while avoiding disaster.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction: How to Apply Pressure in Business Without Causing Chaos

• [02:07] Understanding the Journey vs. Results Balance

• [03:47] Agile and Strategic Checkpoints: Avoiding Organizational Whiplash

• [06:01] The Importance of Timing When Pressing for Results

• [08:50] Learning From Mistakes Without Letting Them Define You

• [10:37] Knowing When to Push and When to Hold Back: A Leadership Skill

• [14:49] How to Tell if It’s Time to Bail on a Strategy

• [17:42] The Strategic Use of Pressure: Getting Results Without Crushing Morale

• [20:03] Avoiding Overcorrection: Little Course Adjustments vs. Slamming on the Brakes

Whether you’re managing a team through a product launch, scaling up, or trying to maintain momentum, applying strategic pressure is essential. This episode helps you understand how to do it right—without damaging your team, your timeline, or your business.

Key Takeaway: Successful leadership means knowing when and how to apply pressure to drive results without creating unnecessary chaos. Whether you’re 10 days behind or 74 days into a challenge, learning the art of strategic pressure will keep your business on track.