No Detail Too Small

The last 2 weeks have marked the return of NCAA College Football and that means it’s finally fall! Clothes that rep our favorite teams are coming out and on the people are flying team flags everywhere! Living in Omaha there is no shortage of Nebraska Cornhusker gear in the stores, on cars, and Husker themed commercials on TV. This also means that my social media feeds have once again become full of college football content and I’m here for it! I’m an Oregon Ducks fan but have loads of respect for some of the most iconic and steadfast programs in NCAA Football, one of those being Alabama & another being Georgia. The other day, I was scrolling through some content and found this clip. It’s a mash-up of clips of Nick Saban and Kirby Smart getting on players about not having their shirts tucked in during practice and then concludes with short interview clips of these coaches and players expressing the importance of being great at the details. This got me thinking, what are all the details that come to mind that equate to greatness? ?

Professional Appearance – The Gig Line: In the military, adherence to precise dress standards is paramount, and one such rule is "maintaining your gig line." This guideline stipulates that an imaginary vertical line should run straight from the center of the collar of one's shirt, through the buttons, down the tie, and continue through the center of the belt buckle, aligning perfectly with the zipper on the pants. This meticulous alignment is not simply about aesthetics, but it symbolizes discipline, attention to detail, and a soldier's commitment to uniformity and professionalism. Observing the gig line is more than a dress code requirement; it reflects an individual's readiness and respect for military traditions, signifying that they are well-prepared and embody the principles of organization and precision.?

Punctuality and Preparedness: Many are familiar with the adage, "If you're early, you're on time, and if you're on time, you're late." This principle underscores the importance of punctuality and preparedness in both personal and professional settings. While it may seem like a minor detail that can be easily overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily life, those who adhere to this standard show a deep respect for others' time and a commitment to their responsibilities. By consistently arriving early, individuals not only ensure they are ready and available when needed but also convey reliability, diligence, and a proactive attitude. This level of consideration and discipline fosters trust and admiration from peers, colleagues, and leaders, significantly enhancing one's reputation and respect within any community or organization.?

Manners: I don’t know about all of you, but my mother endlessly corrected me when I neglected to use "please" and "thank you" throughout my childhood. It’s a wonder my eyes aren’t permanently damaged from how many times I rolled them in annoyance at her repeated reminders: “Say please” or “Don’t forget to say thank you.” At the time, it seemed like a tedious and unnecessary insistence on politeness. What’s funny about that, though, is how often others now remark on my constant usage of these courtesies as an adult. It has become a natural part of my communication, demonstrating respect, and earning appreciation from those I interact with. It turns out, those simple phrases my mom drilled into me have significantly shaped how others perceive me, highlighting the lasting impact of small, consistent acts of politeness.?

Responsiveness: It can be incredibly frustrating when we find ourselves having to chase down colleagues or close contacts for a response or acknowledgment of communication. This not only disrupts workflows but also creates unnecessary stress and tension. Conversely, promptly returning calls, emails, or messages is a simple yet profoundly effective way to show that we value both the communication and the person trying to reach us. This prompt responsiveness shows respect and consideration, fostering a sense of trust and reliability. It shows that we prioritize our interactions and are committed to supporting open lines of communication, enhancing our professional relationships and overall efficiency. By making this small effort to be prompt and attentive, we can significantly improve our interactions and build a reputation for dependability and respectfulness.?

While there are many minuscule details that when focused on make a world of difference, the above are just a few of those examples that, when consistently upheld, can garner significant respect due to their reflection of discipline, consideration, and professionalism. We all work extremely hard to build meaningful relationships, carry out fantastic feats, and deliver exceptional results. Why would we want to tarnish those great achievements and efforts with simple oversights? Just like a fancy car that is unwashed is less impressive than a shiny clean one, an amazing product is far less remarkable when the details have been overlooked.???

What are all the details you find most important in your day-to-day work and interactions with others? Share in the comments below!?