Details Matter

by Frank L. Williams

Details matter. When you do the small things well, it pays off over time. When you don’t, it can come back to haunt you.

Benjamin Franklin said that “a small leak will sink a great ship.” If you get into the habit of ignoring or neglecting the little things, they can turn into big problems.

A slow drip from a leaky faucet may not seem like a big deal when you discover it, but if you don’t get it repaired, it may lead to rot, mold, and a whole host of other more costly issues.

Let’s apply this to leadership and business. It’s easy to get so comfortable with what you do every day that you cut corners. People say things like “I’ve done this a thousand times, I don’t need that checklist.” They let their guard down and miss a key step in a critical process or procedure. That missed step can lead to safety concerns, unhappy clients, or even legal problems.

Conversely, paying attention to small details can yield big results. John Maxwell says that “the secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda.”

Today, many people are more interested in a silver bullet or magic pill that provides instant results than in consistently doing the little things that yield results. People often want a microwavable solution to their problems.

As an example, over the years I’ve encountered numerous public relations clients who are looking for a “big splash.” They think that a big splash will put them on the map and yield instant results.

While a big splash might put you in the spotlight for a fleeting moment, it won’t keep you there. Building and maintaining a strong brand reputation is like building a strong friendship: it takes time.

We live in an impatient world. Long-term success belongs to those who have the discipline to do the small things well and the patience to allow the process to work.

As Harvey MacKay said, “If you network hard for thirty-five years and build pivotal contacts in strategic areas of business, you can become an overnight success.”

Need a communication partner to help you do the little things needed to build and maintain a strong brand reputation? Drop us a line!