Build a Better Fence

Steve Jobs said he learned quality craftsmanship from his adoptive father. Paul Jobs told a young Steve that to build a quality fence you must put in the same effort on the parts no one will ever see as you will the exterior of the fence. The elder Jobs was right. More than 40 years later, the fence stood strong.

Just like building a fence, learning to do quality work doesn’t happen quickly and cleanly – with one great stroke. It takes time.

Those who strive for quality will always give their best effort, and then do 0.5% more. This is a concept I repeat in my company over and over. I call it The Mikitani Curve: Quality is fostered or destroyed by 0.5% improvements.

Take time perfecting the things that aren’t always visible.

Once you think you are done with a job, you must not stop there. Take just a bit more time on it. If you’re in sales, make a few more calls. If you’re a writer, proofread your work one more time. If you’re a barista, try a new latte art! It’s not a lot more work, but this 0.5% effort will make a difference over time. You will learn from this experience.

Do not ever be content with knowing that you have finished something. Even if it is only a little, many small 0.5% improvements will make a big difference in the long run.