The Importance of Progress over Perfection in Product Thinking
Product thinking is an essential part of modern business, and it is the key to creating products that deliver true value and measurable outcomes for clients. However, it is also a difficult process that requires a lot of effort and iteration to get right.
In a recent podcast conversation, Sam Askin, CEO of OneStop, has been working on introducing product thinking into her organisation, shared some of her insights and advice on the subject.
One of the most important things Sam emphasised was the need for progress over perfection. She pointed out that when it comes to creating a product, it's always about being iterative. The question you should be asking yourself every day is not whether it's perfect, but whether you have learned something new that can help you make progress.
Sam also shared how he asks her team the same question, "Have we learned something new today?", every day to keep everyone focused on making progress.
This emphasis on progress over perfection is crucial because it allows for mistakes and experimentation. It creates a safe environment where people can make mistakes and learn from them quickly. This approach enables the team to move fast and make progress, which is particularly important in the technology industry where stagnation can be the biggest killer in business.
Overall, the importance of progress over perfection in product thinking is essential for businesses of all sizes. It encourages a culture of experimentation, learning and development. It creates an environment where people feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. By focusing on progress over perfection, businesses can stay agile, innovate and ultimately succeed in the long run.