Attention to Detail is Key to Success – Blog #6

A t t e n t i o n t o D e t a i l i s K e y t o S u c c e s s – B l o g # 6

September 17, 2019

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80’s, Blog

So, in Blog #5 , I talked about how Work-Life Freedom was the goal. In this blog, I want to talk about how Attention to Detail is key to Success.

My mentor (my Dad) taught me to value the attention to detail and the quality of the work you do, which I learned back in 1968.

He taught me if my name is on something I better give 110% and be proud of the result. It doesn’t matter if you’re cleaning up after the dog, pulling the weeds or washing the car, it better look perfect.

Attention to Detail is Key to Success – I hold these values today 51 years later…

The Lawn

So my Dad came up to me one day and said “Mike you are going to mow the lawn every Saturday from now on” I was kind of excited but still asked him if I would get more on my allowance. He looked at me with a smirk and said “No, you’re just doing it now, so do it before you do anything else, every Saturday”.

So I did it the first time and he asked me how I thought I did. “Did you do your best work?” I told him I did and he then pointed out the strip of grass I missed. “Let me know when its your best work”… So everytime after that experience, I double checked my work. In fact I mowed it one way then again in the opposite direction just to make sure.

First, you have to look at the job and come up with a game plan on how you will attack it. At first I was thinking “what a dick” he’s such a hard ass, my brothers don’t have to do this, but came to realize over the years he molded me into the man I am today.

Second, plan the time frame it takes to complete it and make sure you have the proper tools to do it the right way. The last thing I wanted to hear from my dad was anything negative, so I wanted to make sure I had it all dialed. This was something I taught myself, and like most people, lived for the praise.

Double Check

Finally, when you are finished, double check your finished job before you have it signed off. This avoids embarrassing flubs. Take your time and really look at every detail.”

So did I miss a damn strip of grass this time?” No, check.”
Did I dump the grass clippings in the right can and didn’t drop any on the ground?” Yes & No, check. “
Did I put the lawn mower away properly and clean it up ready to go the next time?”, yes, check. Ok I can get him now..

If your names on it, make sure it’s something you will be proud of. Expecting something extra for something you are expected to do will not benefit you. Doing the right thing and taking pride in what you do will speak volumes to your character down the road. This had a huge impact on me obviously because I’m still talking about it.