Craftsmanship in Unlikely Places

After reviewing the formula for a third time, I finally figured it out. I incorrectly typed a plus sign in the rightful home of a minus sign. Problem solved.

As usual, I’d imagined a far more complicated cause. Since I was less confident using both “SUMIF” functions and Boolean logic, I’d taken great care building the difficult parts. But I rushed through the basic stuff. With my eye off the ball, I added an expense line instead of subtracting it. Ugh.

So what’s the life lesson? I mean, other than how spreadsheet stories may not hook your readers.

In this case, this small struggle speaks to finding satisfaction in doing quality work, especially when the task is tedious and challenging. Yes, there’s a sense of craftsmanship in building spreadsheets.

As Matthew Crawford writes in Shop Class as Soulcraft, "Craftsmanship means dwelling on a task for a long time and going deeply into it, because you want to get it right."

In conversations with experienced analysts, they’ve often described flow states when building models. Hours can pass unnoticed while they lose themselves in the cells and tabs of Excel. Yet it’s through that process that insights emerge. Of course, the goal isn’t to master the tool. Excel merely offers a gateway to reveal deeper understanding, which enables high-quality work.

When you create something, even a spreadsheet, you must understand the fundamental details of how the pieces fit together. Reviewing the finished product tells you certain information. But it can't replace the depth of understanding that comes from building.

For example, take your grandmother’s favorite recipe. One option is to read her yellowed handwritten notes. The other is to cook the meal with her several times because, of course, you can’t get it right at first. In the kitchen, you rely on different tools as you become immersed in the process. Eventually, you develop an innate understanding of the process and contribute new elements of your own. The food might even taste better.

Cringe, if you will, but writing thoughtful emails and slide decks can serve the same purpose if there’s enough thought involved. Again, the tool can help guide the thinking process. More care usually delivers a more satisfying result.

A camera plays a similar role to me. When my fingers wrap around the body, I immediately notice details that I might otherwise miss. I’m aware of composition, color, and depth. Without the camera in hand, the world was always there, but I needed a tool to focus my attention.

Of course, the idea extends to other areas too. Conversations can be superficial and disposable, like plastic. Or we can seek higher quality engagements. We can choose to explore ideas and experiences and thereby develop deeper connections with others.

As with any craft, it’s not about mastering the tool but about using it to unlock deeper knowledge and create something of value. Whether it’s building a complex spreadsheet, writing thoughtful emails, or taking pictures, the process helps us to become more aware and unlock deeper understanding. We cultivate new perspectives by working through the challenge. And, if we’re honest, it usually feels great when we’re done.

#davidsdispatches #deepwork