I once heard the great business thinker and author Tom Peters say “Why do it if it’s not going to be the greatest thing you’ve ever done, ya’ know?”
Doing things really well and to the best of your ability takes more time, more effort and more thought. While we don’t have to do everything we do this way, we need to do “WHAT WE DO” this way if we are to be known for excellence in some area.
If our job or special contribution is X, then we should pour it all into doing X at a very high level.
Don’t do “good enough.”
Hi Larry,
This is a double edged sword. In personal life, one should always strive to be the absolute best that one’s potential permits. However, in the world of manufacturing, “good enough” means consistently meeting the customer’s requirements within their tolerance band. If the edges of the tolerance band are not acceptable, then that band is NOT actually “good enough” for them. Consistently delivering much better than “good enough” can and often does add unnecessary cost in both time and $$$. Another way to read this is – If “good enough” is what your customer wants, be “good enough” in the most excellent and consistent way possible (never ever be “not quite good enough”).
As always, I enjoy your posts. They stimulate fantastic conversations, and I often refer to your insights when providing guidance to others.
I sincerely hope your day is much more than “good enough”!
Good enough is just not in my vocabulary.
I got it!! never thought myself as good enough or the things I do!
The extra mile is not that hard! and big time rewarding.
“There are no gains without pains.”