Sometimes, good enough is good enough
The Crucial Role of Balancing Perfectionism and Practicality in Delivering Successful Projects
Sometimes, good enough is good enough
I want to share an experience I had with a CEO-entrepreneur that might offer some valuable insights for other managers and business owners who struggle delivering projects. I wish this were a success story post, but I see this case as a personal failure.
This CEO approached me with concerns about the security of her custom-tailored questionnaire website, which couldn't be created on standard platforms like Typeform or Crowdsignal. A small development company had built her site using WordPress, but an "expert" had warned her about potential security risks. Not knowing what to do, she spent a month searching for help before turning to me for advice on securing her site.
Here's what I told her
You don't necessarily need a fortress for a website
Securing a site is like securing an office or a house. There's no limit to how secure they can be, but there is a limit to how much time and effort you should spend on it. Most likely, your house doesn't have armed personnel patrolling its perimeter, but strategic infrastructure buildings, such as an electric company, do.
Understanding your website's potential vulnerabilities, the consequences of these vulnerabilities, and the resources you are willing to invest to mitigate them is vital. The best approach is to compile a list of potential security events and their potential impacts on your business, your customers, and the general public. Then, estimate the likelihood of each event. With this list in hand, you can engage a skilled consultant to formulate a plan.
Premature optimization as a form of procrastination
There is a saying in the software engineering industry, "premature optimization is the root of
There's a saying in the software industry, "Premature optimization is the root of all evil." Of course, you should strive to deliver the best product you can. In an ideal world, you would build a perfect product, produce bug-free code, and write flawless documents. Realistically, however, you need to balance costs and benefits, allocate limited resources, and manage uncertainty. Thus, "good enough" is not always a sign of laziness but can be the most practical approach.
The urge to optimize often stems from a lack of understanding or could be a form of perfectionism that masks procrastination. So, how can you ensure you're on the right track? Seek advice from a trusted friend, colleague, or consultant. Ask open, non-leading questions, and be genuinely willing to consider perspectives other than your own.
(Yes, you can reach out to me at: boris@gorelik.net)
I failed
Back to the CEO-entrepreneur. During our conversation, I learned about her business and potential customers and concluded that her venture didn't require the same security measures as a bank or a utility company. I researched the development company that built her site and found them reputable. So, I suggested launching the service, starting to work, acquiring new customers, making money, and allocating a portion of the income for future security investments.
Unfortunately, she disagreed with me. It has been five months since our conversation, and she's still searching for the right security expert to rewrite her entire site from scratch. Two days ago, I asked her about her site. “It’s almost done,” she told me.
Are her customers waiting for her? I'm not sure.
To sum up
Recognizing the balance between perfect and practical can prevent unnecessary delays in your business ventures. Don't hesitate to contact me if you're looking for advice on how to navigate these waters.