On The Value of Failure

Perfection exists only in the mind.  It's an ideal.

It can be crushing to recognize that one is not perfect.  There is a gap between doing perfect work, or perfect anything for that matter, and good work.  With respect to window cleaning I follow the advice offered by Yoda in Star Wars, as he supervises the training of his Jedi protege:  Don't try, just do.

Most of the time I wash, allowing my body to function within the customary channels laid down by years of practice.  Sure, I think about what I am doing, just enough,---but never enough to worry if I am getting it right.  On occasion I receive a complaint about a finished job.  I've learned to greet those complaints with a positive attitude.  I know that I have before me an opportunity to discover something I've missed, overlooked, and sometimes, my standard just needs to be elevated a notch or two for that customer.

Best of all, when I make a personal call to examine the cause of the complaint, I am certain to have a rare opportunity to dialog at length with a valued customer.  (and they are all valuable)

Displayed for your consideration is "evidence" that I found on a troubleshooting call last week.  I remedied the "loose ends", examining the entire job carefully, rewashed three windows, and judiciously applied a rag tipped pole to erase issues.  I spent about an hour, and concluded with a satisfying chat with the manager, as peer to peer.  He was pleased with my quick response to his complaint.  I was gratified to learn which elements of the job are particularly important.  This was important as an east to west winter sun directly illuminates those windows all day long on a clear day.

The point of this tale is to understand failure is especially a great occasion for learning, and for strengthening a relationship.  Loosen up, lighten up, everyday can be a good day.  If you do not occasionally make a mistake, you are not doing anything.