I have known entrepreneurs, who are skilled craftsmen, excellent service providers and are simply committed men, striving for perfection. Of course two things occur, first, one seldom, if ever, achieves the goal of perfection. Second it is wasteful and unproductive pursuit. In addition, such an attitude brings many barriers and issues to the program which are unproductive, as this goal is flawed.

95% towards perfection is the better goal. Striving for excellence should be the standard,  achieving 95% excellence is the objective. The last 5% is unnecessary, unwarranted, unprofitable and fails to return an adequate return on the investment so it not a worthy goal. In addition it creates deeper problems. There should be a 100% attitude, but a 95% result.

Achieving perfection is more of a statement about the person attempting to accomplish this then a part of the business plan or the desired quality of the product, as 95% is good enough. This does not mean we should opt to produce an inferior item, or deliver a less effective service. It absolutely does not mean reducing the standards of the program. It simply means that perfection is not the standard we should be trying to achieve. Perfection does not have a place in the business world.

Review this comparison, and if it applies to yourself or anyone in your organization consider the effect such an attitude may have on your likely business success. Striving towards achieving excellence is a most worthy application of our efforts and should be an objective of every person and every organization.

Striving for perfection is folly, and will get you into trouble in addition to  preventing you from achieving your attainable goals.

If you have an individual in your organization, or if its your attitude we are evaluating, consider the alternatives, men trying to achieve excellence but not perfection are more likely to succeed, and enjoy their time. Comparisons are important, evaluate your situation and then make appropriate adjustments to your or your men’s style, goals and objectives, or it could put you out of business.

Men striving for excellence but not perfection are more trusting, spontaneous, willing to take risk, are confident, are willing to be wrong and are more successful.

Men chasing perfection are always focused on the results, missing the value of the process, are too serious, lack fun and spontaneity, judges self harshly, plays it safe, full of self doubt, very controlling, needs proof and always have to be right, takes far less risk, and are mot often skeptical about everything.

Do you know anyone like this?

If you have a perfectionist on your team, you will understand the above comparison and realize the danger such a person is to the well being of your organization. If it is you, the business owner, we are describing, change your ways. Call for help 413-549-2966.