“It’s Just Temporary” — Until It Becomes Your Business Process

One of the most dangerous phrases in business is: “It’s just temporary.” There is nothing inherently wrong with a workaround. Businesses have to move quickly. Problems happen at inconvenient times, customers still need answers, and sometimes the perfect solution simply isn't available. The problem comes when nobody goes back. The spreadsheet created as a quick fix becomes business-critical. The shared login becomes standard procedure. The manual workaround becomes the official process. Eventually, nobody remembers why it was temporary in the first place. In this episode of Stack & Startup: Al Fresco, I look at how temporary solutions quietly become permanent systems — and why “good enough” can create hidden costs, dependencies, and operational debt over time. We cover: Why perfectly reasonable workarounds stick around How small operational friction compounds Why “it still works” isn't always a good enough reason to keep something How temporary systems create hidden dependencies The difference between flexibility and operational debt Why growing businesses eventually outgrow old solutions How to decide whether to keep, improve, document, or replace a workaround The goal isn't perfection or replacing everything overnight. It's making sure temporary solutions remain intentional decisions instead of permanent decisions made by accident. So ask yourself: What temporary solution in your business has been temporary for way too long? If you enjoy conversations about business, technology, operations, and growth, subscribe to Stack & Startup for more. Stack & Startup is a Baltimore-based business podcast focused on real conversations about building, running, and growing companies in Maryland. If you’re serious about improving how your business operates—from technology to decision-making—follow the show for practical, experience-driven insights. Watch and connect: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StackStartupBaltimore LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-m-sherwood/ Need help with your business technology? 👉 Book a free 15-minute assessment: https://calendly.com/jason-sherwood-sd-tech/15-minute-meeting