So, maybe I ought to care more about doing things "the right way." And maybe that is not ok in a lot of situations. Yeah, I understand how important one's image can be to potential employers, customers, friends, relatives, etc. and I understand the role that perfectionism plays in maintaining one's rep (i. e. people-pleasing, micromanaging processes not results).
I will tell you this right now...when I have to handle a contract with a vendor, I don't look at reputation or image-maintenance. There are plenty of businesses that look good but can't handle a project to save their lives. Just look at those Burger King ads; Slick design and good finish can't make up for a bizarre message delivery or ineffectual results. Do those ads really sell more burgers? I don't know anyone (besides me) who would go to Burger King for lunch EVER.
When I am working on a contract with a vendor, I examine price per item and the level of services provided per unit purchased and then overall price breaks for volume purchase. I don't care if the vendor is used by King Advertiser himself if that company won't bend over backwards to get my dollar, then I am not buiying from them. I don't need the job done perfectly. I need it done now, at 9pm tonight, you know? If I was chosing an assistant, I would probably pick someone who would stay until midnight taking care of business and then work out the typos and grammatical mistakes later.
It's funny because school always focused on micromanaging processes, which is probably why so many people turn into accountants or auditors right out of college. Yeah, society needs people like that, but not all the time, and it seems like fighting over the details and process is often more about the power struggle than actually "fixing mistakes" or inequity in the processes. What do you think?
Well, have a good one people.
Dani P
