My job requires me to be very, very precise. Certainly not brain surgery, but recording voiceovers does require crossing the proverbial “t’s” and dotting the “i’s”, listening back to all recordings and making 100% certain that each word, no matter how small, be precisely read as written. I pride myself on the specificity and precision I bring to my work.
This same precision is important in most jobs, I imagine – from doctor to waitress, being sloppy is not an option and lacks excellence. Equally important in getting it right the first time is in the role of passport administrator. And yet, last week, I was astonished by the result of one person’s very slight error in my passport process.
Simply a renewal, I sent in my application and was extremely distressed to find out that the package with my passport therein, was picked up and signed for by someone else! As I dug through the layers of what had transpired, I discovered the passport office had sent my package to a neighbour, who had one number different on her address. With MY name and HER address, the post office then allowed this person to pick up my package.
Typing an “8” instead of a “0” resulted in a great deal of stress for me, a miniscule mistake that could have caused me a whole lot of trouble with the potential for identity theft and security issues.
Everyone makes mistakes. However, when it comes to our jobs and businesses, excellence is recognized, attention to detail is valued. Jobs are not a dime a dozen and competition in most fields is fierce. So how do we stand out above other businesses, resumes, other candidates, or employees?
Take the time to be clear about what you want to say, saving you time in the end. Keep it simple. Review everything you do – even spell check isn’t perfect. Look up the proper pronunciation of words. When in doubt, pick up the phone. Be specific. Be precise. Be excellent.
Are you specific and precise in your work? Where is it important for you? I’m interested!…
Natasha, you sure have this one covered. In my work, one mistake could make headlines on the nightly news. Miscommunication is never far away when it comes to sloppy and haphazard work. Never leave the house without checking for your wallet; never submit anything without spellcheck and double-double checking the facts, spelling and grammar. Thanks for reminding us!
🙂 Are we obsessive compulsive or are we excellent? I’d like to think we are striving for excellence!
Love this post, Natasha, especially the part about picking up the phone! My desire to be perfect in my “work” does sometimes impact other things, things where perfection is not required and a more relaxed approach is appreciated. I continue my search for “balance” … I imagine I’ll be saying the same thing when I’m 95 although, hopefully, I’ll have made some progress.
In an attempt to avoid trying to be perfect, excellence is indeed what I strive for…but even in that, balance is indeed needed… 🙂
I know it’s popular to say we shouldn’t strive for perfection, but I figure we have to aim in that direction and we’ll land somewhere close.
Absolutely!