Is it better to deliver 90% than 100%? The more I strive to deliver perfection, the more I learn that imperfection may be ideal.
Let’s be clear. There are times when an incomplete deliverable is unacceptable…like any construction project or health-related procedure. But in our extraordinarily busy lives, is 90% the new norm? Instead of agonizing over everything, should I just get it out the door?
In my job I am expected to generate new ideas…constantly. Ideas are my commodity and for any truly creative mind, there is an endless supply of them. Often times, my deadlines are hard and fast. If I had to wait for every new concept to be fully-baked before I delivered it, I would never make my deadlines. I would be forever frozen still, striving for perfection on the first round.
Perfection can not be part of the creative process. What I am learning is that creative process requires being OK with less than 100%, — especially early on. I enjoy delivering early concepts that my team can poke holes in…a dummy draft that will take it on the chin for the greater goal. Sometimes, the client doesn’t even know what they want until they see what they don’t want. More hole-poking. That happens, too.
Delivering a first round gives my team a chance to have a say and make changes together. Everyone builds equity in the concept. It becomes “stone soup” — a collective contribution that yields something truly delicious.
And even though I can’t take aaaaalll the credit for having a “perfect” idea, I believe the value in delivering imperfection is in leaving the door ajar for more possibility and more positivity on the outset.