I was posed the question, “Do you prefer perfect and late or good and on time?” It’s a standard interview question, but it gave me pause. I wondered at my response.
I am a perfectionist, but I side with the latter answer: I’d rather be good and on time than perfect and late. Perhaps I’ve lived long enough with my perfectionism to know that “perfect” doesn’t exist. Perhaps, though, the lessons about excellence are finally starting to take up residence in my mind and heart.
Perfect work is not excellent work. It never has been and never will be. Perfect work is demanding. It’s cruel. It makes excuses: “I’m sorry I’m late, but I wanted the piece to be perfect.”
The excuse doesn’t settle well with me, nor would it be acceptable in the workplace. Perfectionism with its excuses and tardiness at work? No. That isn’t the right way to think or operate. The right way is found in taking responsibility for one’s actions. It involves respect and punctuality. If an apology is necessary, it’s followed by a change in thought patterns and behavior.
What of the word “good”? If the comparison is between good and perfect, surely good isn’t the thing for which to aim, is it? I think it is, but I make synonyms of “good” and “excellent.” I hear “good” and think Neil Gaiman. He is not speaking of some easily accomplished good in his speech; he is speaking of something that requires intention, something that keeps a person going in both the dark and the glorious days, something that demands sacrifice.
In my mind, he is speaking of excellence. Excellent work is work done to the best of my ability. It’s turned in on time. To pursue excellence is to pursue the good of another, in this case, whomever is waiting for the copy or drawing. That person needs the work to be turned in on time.
He or she has reviews to do and deadlines to meet. How can that occur if work is turned in late? For that matter, what if my definition of “perfect” is not the same as the person’s to whom work is due? Now the work is not only late but also wrong. Nobody wins in that scenario; in fact, clients and credibility are usually lost that way.
Perfect and late or good and on time? I suggest changing the question. Forget about being perfect. Aim for good and on time. Pursue excellence.
Image: KellarW (Creative Commons)