Done is Better than Perfect

Today at a coffee shop, I couldn't help but overhear a spirited conversation at the next table. Two professionals, a Product Manager (PM) and an Engineer, were intensely discussing their latest initiative. Their conversation was centered around one word: "perfect."

"Management is pushing us to release this soon," the PM said, tapping thoughtfully on his laptop. "But there's still so much room for improvement."

The Engineer nodded, looking concerned. "I agree. We can't deliver a half-baked solution to the users. Sure, it solves their immediate needs, but the user experience is far from optimal."

Their conversation was compelling, and given my experiences, I couldn't resist joining in. After a few minutes of introductions and networking, the PM asked me, "Given you've been in the industry for a while, what advice would you have for professionals like us?"

I smiled, recognizing the pivotal moment. "Done is better than perfect," I said, letting the words hang in the air. Their eyes widened, and I knew I had their attention.

The Wisdom of Imperfection

I could see their skepticism, so I leaned in, eager to share a story from my journey. "Let me take you back to my early days as an engineer. We were working on a missing but much-needed self-service reporting functionality for our platform. We had a huge roadmap for our v1. Our team spent months refining every detail, convinced that our meticulous work would win over a highly strategic customer."

"We were sure our comprehensive solution would outshine any that competitors could offer. We designed advanced filtering options, custom report layouts, and a sophisticated data visualization interface. But every time we thought we were close to finishing, we'd find another aspect to perfect."

"Meanwhile, our competitor released a basic version that met the client's essential needs. It wasn't perfect, but it allowed users to generate standard reports and get their data quickly. The client loved it. They got the deal, and we were left wondering what went wrong. We had missed the opportunity because we waited too long and focused on perfection instead of progress. That client became loyal to our competitor, who continued to iterate and improve their product based on real-world feedback. They built a long-term relationship by delivering value early and often."

Their expressions shifted from skepticism to understanding. I continued, "That experience was a turning point for me. It taught me the importance of delivering a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and iterating based on user feedback. This approach not only accelerates progress but also builds long-term relationships with users. It's about acquiring users and continually improving their experience over time, rather than treating them as a one-time engagement."

Building a Culture of Action

"Here's what I've learned," I said. "Execution is the engine of progress. Encourage your teams to set realistic goals and deadlines. Celebrate their achievements, even if they're not perfect. Create an environment where experimentation and learning from failure are embraced. This approach accelerates progress and empowers your team to innovate without fear."

I shared a few practical steps:

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Define what 'done' looks like. Ensure everyone understands the expectations and timelines.
2. Encourage Experimentation: Promote a mindset where trying and failing are part of the process. Celebrate efforts and learn from mistakes.
3. Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer timely and actionable feedback. Focus on progress and improvement rather than perfection.

Measuring Success

"Success in business," I explained, "is measured by outcomes, not intentions. It's about delivering value to customers, achieving business goals, and driving growth. By adopting a mindset that prioritizes 'done' over 'perfect,' you position your organization to be more agile, responsive, and ultimately more successful."

I listed a few key metrics:

• Customer Satisfaction: Monitor feedback and satisfaction scores.
• Time to Market: Track how quickly your team can deliver products and features.
• Iteration Rate: Measure how often your team releases updates and improvements.

Parallels in Personal Life

The conversation naturally shifted to personal lives. "This principle extends beyond the professional realm," I noted. "Waiting for the perfect moment or conditions often leads to inaction. Taking the first step, no matter how imperfect, sets the stage for growth and improvement."

I shared a couple of personal examples:

• Fitness Goals: "Instead of waiting for the perfect workout plan or equipment, start with what you have. Progress, no matter how small, is better than standing still."
• Relationships: "Striving for perfect communication can lead to cautious, stilted interactions. Open, honest, and sometimes imperfect conversations build stronger connections."

Conclusion

As our conversation drew to a close, I reiterated, "Done is better than perfect." This mantra has guided my career and personal life, helping me embrace imperfection, value execution, and learn through action. In business, it leads to faster innovation, greater agility, and sustained success. In our personal lives, it encourages meaningful steps toward our goals and fosters authentic connections.

The young PM and Engineer looked thoughtful, their earlier intensity now tempered with a new perspective. We exchanged contact information, and as I left the coffee shop, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I'd planted a seed of wisdom that could help them navigate their careers with a focus on progress, not perfection.

Feel free to connect and share your thoughts on this philosophy. How has embracing 'done' over 'perfect' impacted your journey? Let's continue this conversation and drive success together.

By embracing this mindset, we open the door to continuous improvement, adaptability, and meaningful progress in our professional and personal lives. Let's celebrate the power of execution and the courage to act, knowing that perfection is not the end goal but a journey of ongoing growth.