Is the idea of averages, forcing us to benchmark on the defects rather than perfection?
If average is the lowest common denominator and is more or less half of what can possible be , aren’t we settling for much lesser because we are setting out to think below and not above our potential ?
When we make average our goal or measuring index to evaluate if a product meets business goals , a resource meets expectations – aren’t we setting up to perform under our abilities than above it by lowering the possibilities to bare minimum ?
In the managerial or business parlance, what does this mean?
While making product efficacy plans, are we benchmarking on extracting counter-share at point of sale or being myopic wrt obsessing about resource productivity stats?
If a team member selling 10 units in one location & another selling 1 at 10 different locations pushes us to conclude ’10’ is our potential as against 100 , our flawed idea of ‘productivity’ which is intrinsic is not letting us explore how big is the market , how much of it are we tapping & how much more can we develop it?
The moment we apply this to anything at all, our world view changes to the bigger picture as business professionals and as individuals.
As leaders , while its tempting to be short sighted to thrive on how well we are doing , our focus needs to be on the long term goals and more importantly on setting them right.
Sometimes , setting oneself for short term failure could lead us to long term success.
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