One of the struggles that sometimes occurs with employees is that they try to get perfection before they take action. The difficulty is that by the time perfection is possible (if it is even really possible), the opportunity has passed or the obstacle has gotten too big to handle.

When speaking with Mark, a builder and contractor, he said that sometimes estimators struggle with the same issue. Obviously estimators need to read the specs and make sure that there are no contradictions. They may also need to make a few phone calls to clarify the plans. However, they are not creating an “exactiment”, but an estimate of the price. It may be that there needs to be an “allowance” in the estimate so it is clear that there is a cost, but that cost is only allowable to a certain point. After that certain point is reached, the cost changes. So an estimate is just that, an estimate.

Mark then reminisced to when he was at NC State for his engineering degree. One of the old geezers there was imparting advice to his class. He shared that there were scientists and engineers. Scientists had to get things perfect and exact. For example, if there was a beautiful woman across the room that was amorous and willing to have a fun time with the scientist, the scientist would begin to consider the issue of how to get over to her. The scientist would determine that you could cover half the distance to the woman in a certain amount of time. You could cover ½ of the remaining distance in a certain time, etc. However, because you only cover half the distance, you would never get to her. So, the scientist would never “go for it” and achieve the objective.

On the other hand, the engineer, being practical, would determine how long it would take to get to the woman and then take action.

The story told by the old geezer, and repeated by Mark, was told to get people to be practical as opposed to being perfect. It reinforces that doing and getting something to happen is more valuable than lots of thinking that produces no result or produce results too late.

Three things to ask yourself when facing next time a project faces delays or missed deadlines:

• Do your employees know how to achieve their goals and the organization’s goals?

• Does your organization have methods to overcome obstacles and take action without “perfection”?

• How can your leaders and organization increase its effectiveness to reaching its goals on time? What story would they tell?

If you would like to learn more about how to motivate those around you, contact our expert Guides.

Whether you are business owner, team leader or team member, our expert Guides can help your organization get the tools they need to keep you and your organization on the path to success. We can guide and work with your organization to increase the effectiveness at resolving problems from the bottom up rather than the top down. We also provide programs on 3 Rs (Recruiting, Retaining, & Retiring) your employees along with other Human Resource tools, Strategic Planning, and Improving Communication. Our Guides have over 25 years’ experience in building strong and effective Leaders, Teams, and organizations to help you on your journey to success and hone your tools needed to keep all your business and personal relationships strong and healthy.

Your success is in plain sight; it just takes determination and action! Contact us for your complimentary session by calling 800-786-4332, or email Info@AppliedVisionWorks.com