Trigger Question #75:
Did you know you have a preferred focus? You either prefer to focus on what is right or on what is wrong. I didn’t know that either until I made it up. But it sounds logical, doesn’t it?
But wait. I’m not talking about ethics or morals or legal or your mother-in-law’s views on life. Not even about optimism versus pessimism. And not about sense versus nonsense. At least, not this time.
Nor am I talking about whether you focus on what your subordinates do wrong instead of on what they do right. (You know what that feels like being on the receiving end, don’t you? And yet, as a manager, you still do it. How depressing and demotivating for them.)
No, none of the above. I’m talking about the impossibility of perfection versus the possibility of excellence.
Perfection means being free of flaws or defects. Imagine that. Maybe then you will understand that perfection is not realistically achievable. At least, not by humans.
Nor does it make sense financially to even attempt it, considering the likely cost-benefit ratio.
If, in your quest for perfection, you focus too often on what is wrong, you will be exhausted, not motivated. So, too, your colleagues. And you won’t be any closer to perfection. In fact, the more you focus on what is wrong, the further you will drift from what is right enough or good enough.
Right enough, or good enough, is achievable. Often what is good enough works well enough. Well enough is the state where revising and refining can begin. And that’s how right enough, working well enough, brings us closer to excellence.
Exceptionally good enough is achievable. Flawless is not. It’s just a dream gone wrong.
Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.
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Quote of the Moment:
“Of course I’m not perfect. But, boy, am I close!” The Chief Nonsense Officer.
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