(Principles are basic truths that, when applied, cause success to come to you easier and quicker.)

 

Precision is a wonderful thing. At times precision is essential; the consequences of imprecision can even be fatal. Think about landing a jumbo jet, surgery, driving on a snowy road, and designing a bridge. Getting it exactly right is sometimes a necessity.

But what about the rest of the time? In many of these S3MC’s I refer to highly successful people because observing what they do that works, and emulating it, leads to success. Since precision has its costs – time, money, and effort are among them – one of the things they do is know when to require precision and when not.

People who are highly successful have developed the skill of taking action with less precision in the areas which don’t benefit from it. They have learned to say, “That looks about right,” and get on with it. That skill is derived from experience, the feedback from many actions; it does not come for free.

This is not a plea for sloppy work nor too-hasty actions. It is about blending precision with approximate in a useful mix.

 

Coaching Point: Where have you learned to say, “That looks about right” and get on with it?

 

Copyright 2014 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.