Your anecdote about spending 18 months building a product only to find it unnecessary resonates deeply. It is indeed a harsh lesson that many of us have learned the hard way. The statistic that 99% of the 75 organizations you've worked with started with a similar approach is both startling and thought-provoking.
As I reflect on your points, I am reminded of the importance of perspective. While it is crucial to avoid the trap of perfect outputs, it is equally vital to acknowledge that sometimes, the pursuit of perfection can be a necessary step in the journey towards meaningful results. For instance, in the field of aerospace engineering, the margin for error is so slim that perfection is not just a goal, but a requirement. This is not to say that we should blindly chase perfection, but rather that we must be aware of the context and the stakes involved.
Your article also made me think of the "Golden Girls" episode "The Operation," where Dorothy's reluctance to undergo surgery highlights the importance of considering multiple perspectives before making a decision. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that even in our pursuit of meaningful results, we must be open to different viewpoints and willing to adapt our approach as needed.
One area where I believe your article could benefit from further exploration is the role of feedback in shaping our understanding of what constitutes meaningful results. For example, a study by Harvard Business Review found that regular feedback can increase employee engagement by up to 30%. This underscores the importance of creating a culture where feedback is encouraged and valued.
Another aspect that warrants further discussion is the impact of technology on our ability to focus on meaningful results.
Lastly, I would like to emphasize the need for leaders to model the behavior they expect from their teams. As you so eloquently put it, "deriving dopamine from discomfort" is a key characteristic of high-achieving creators. Leaders must be willing to take risks, embrace discomfort, and lead by example if they hope to inspire their teams to do the same.
In the spirit of the "Golden Girls" episode "Love Under the Big Top," where Rose's circus friends teach her the value of taking risks and trying new things, I urge you and your readers to take a leap of faith and focus on meaningful results that truly matter. Let us strive to create a world where our work is not just about perfect outputs, but about making a real difference in the lives of those around us.
Papa Smurf would be proud!
