It's Good Enough

I've been thinking about this attitudinal comment a lot during the past few weeks. When it comes to technology, a lot of people think that what they are doing is "good enough." I thought so. Now I realize how neglectful that comment really is. It is another case of the "Ignorance is bliss" syndrome. I was pretty satisfied with my computer knowledge and capabilities. I was able to do the basics. Now I realize that the basics characterized me as incompetent.

So, how does one move from this "good enough" mentality to one of choice and change? Dr. Lucia Murphy (author of LeaderSpeak: 7 Conversations that Create Sustainable Success) suggests four steps:

1. Recast the Past - focus on your accomplishments rather than dwelling on injustices, slights and hardships

2. Reconsider the Present - Consider alternatives and monitor behavior patterns.

3. Re-envision the Future - Get the big picture: clarity of vision, deep sense of desire and willingness to do what you need to do

4. Start Short - Go beyond "good enough" with courage (to think, feel,change, fail)

When I read Dr. Lucia's article, it amazed me how much this little phrase "good enough" affects so many of us. The "older" generation is constantly being looked upon as unwilling to change and learn because what they do now is "good enough." Envisioning a dynamic future for our culture is going to take a collaborative effort.

There is even a "good enough" approach in the computer world for software and systems design. Wikipedia defines it as The Principle of Good Enough (or POGE) which "favors quick-and-simple (but potentially extensible) designs over elaborate systems designed by committees. Once the quick-and-simple design is deployed, it can then evolve as needed, driven by user requirements." This paradigm has been confused and misused by some. See: "Good Enough Quality: Beyond the Buzz Word" by James Bach

We are in a time when "good enough" is not "good enough."