Momentum in Business: Why Alignment and Speed Must Work Together
Understanding momentum can be one of the most impactful forces in business. But, many treat it at a purely conceptual level without emphasizing that momentum is measurable, predictable, and follows the same formula for linear momentum we learned in physics.
p = mv
P = Momentum
M = Mass
V = Velocity
As I reflect on keeping things simple, I translated the formula through a business lens:
Mass = Alignment, clarity, and resources
Velocity = The pace and direction of execution
Momentum = The force that becomes difficult to stop once both are present
Three Reflections:
Example 1: The Product Launch | Based on key customer feature needs
We had early positive feedback… and then everything slowed down because customers raised pricing concerns.
Translation:
Velocity = ✔️
Mass (alignment) = ❌
It was like driving the car with a flat tire — technically moving, but nobody’s confident about the outcome.
Example 2: The CrossFunctional Initiative | To improve customer response times
Leadership aligned quickly (mass), the team built fast rhythms (velocity), and within weeks momentum kicked in. Suddenly everyone took on more responsibility as the end result and direction was so clear.
The formula never lies:
High velocity + low mass = High speed, low alignment, thus, motion without traction and no breakthrough
High mass+ low velocity = spending $$ without progress, questions about validity grow
High mass + high velocity = unstoppable momentum
This Week’s Ripple Effect
Leadership Takeaway:
Momentum is built deliberately. Align leaders (mass). Set pace and direction (velocity). Watch the organization move with amplified force as a result.
Quote:
“Momentum forms when aligned leaders move with intentional speed.”
Questions for Leaders:
Where do I see high activity but low momentum—and is mass or velocity missing?
What leadership misalignment is quietly reducing the weight behind our key initiatives
What single action could increase our velocity this week—sequencing, focus, or decision-making speed?
