The Triangle of Expectations

Fast, Done, Perfect - Choose Two

Hello, Remote Leader 👋

We're constantly juggling between completing things quickly, thoroughly, or perfectly.

This concept isn't new, but it's profoundly relevant in our remote settings: you can have it fast, done, or perfect, but you only get to pick two.

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[To Avoid] Fast + Perfect = But Not Done

Striving for perfection with speed often means projects are ongoing, constantly tweaked, and tuned to pursue an elusive ideal. It's akin to the artist who never considers their masterpiece complete.

This can mean delayed launches or endless "final" touches, potentially missing critical opportunities.

[If Required] Done + Perfect = But Not Fast

When the focus is on perfection and completion, speed is sacrificed. It's the luxury watchmaker's approach, where quality and attention to detail reign supreme, but time is of no essence.

Teams embracing this often deliver outstanding outputs, but the pace can be glacial, and in a fast-moving market, this could mean being left behind.

[My Favourite] Fast + Done = But Not Perfect

When we prioritize speed and completion, perfection takes a backseat. It's the startup's mantra—move fast and break things. This often translates to rapid iterations and MVPs (Minimum Viable Products). The advantage? Swift market entry and quick feedback loops.

The trade-off? The result might not be flawless, and refinement becomes a continuous process.

Balancing the Triangle

Setting explicit expectations with your team and stakeholders about which two points of the triangle you aim for can help guide project strategies and workflow.

Excluding the option that won’t lead you to “Done”, it’s all about ensuring that everyone is on the same page and understands the trade-offs involved.

For instance, if the goal is to launch a new product feature quickly and ideally, it's vital to communicate that some elements might be deferred. Conversely, if the aim is for a complete and flawless project, setting realistic timelines and managing expectations around delivery dates is critical.

The triangle of expectations isn't about limitations; it's about making informed choices ✌️

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That's all for this Saturday.
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I wish you a great weekend!
Gabriele