“80% is enough.” You’ve probably heard this saying before. Recently, a good friend shared this advice with us when we found ourselves lost in the details of our new website. She was absolutely right (thank you, Anne), but it also got us thinking. What does “80% is enough” actually mean? Is my 80% the same as yours? And does that even matter?
As clients, people often expect 100% or even 200%. After all, everyone wants to see the very best results. But in a time when work and personal life need to be in balance, it’s important to recognize that 200% is simply too much. Working overtime or constantly putting in extra effort is sometimes taken for granted, but that can put a strain on our ability to handle unexpected situations. Focusing on 80% can be the key to a sustainable, effective way of working.
With new ground, like our website, we kept making adjustments and improvements simply because we didn’t know exactly what the expectations were. What do people look at? What do they want to see? In our regular work, we’re confident: we set expectations, keep communication clear, and adjust as needed. Yet, it remains a challenge to ensure your own “80%” aligns with the expectations of others, especially when those expectations are high.
It’s all about making sure your efforts don’t negatively impact the work of others, and vice versa. Accuracy is essential, particularly in administrative environments. A “first-time-right” mindset helps here: you’ve got your 80% under control, and if needed, you can put in that extra 20% when someone asks for it. By communicating clearly and managing expectations, you create space for flexibility and unexpected situations.
So, is 80% enough?
Perhaps we shouldn’t talk in percentages. Sometimes, 80% can sound like something unfinished. It might be better to think in terms of setting expectations, good communication, and work control. Although that last 20% might seem like the icing on the cake, the goal is to build a solid foundation that doesn’t falter at the first unexpected obstacle. In the end, it’s not the extra effort but the effective application that counts.
As you can see, we managed to complete the website.
GETTA® Greetings,
Diny & Anita
