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An eye for detail or attention to detail isn’t just a quality, it's a soft skill that shows your dedication to producing error-free, accurate work. It is a habit one learns over a period of time. Fortunately, I come from the hospitality business where an eye for detail is taught right in the classroom and in practical training classes. It starts from cleaning a room to cooking and serving food on the table. There is no room for error.
We often say, "Small is Big." If you are good at taking care of small things, bigger things will be achieved on their own. In simple words, small things can be considered as a process for the final delivery of your vision. However, it is important to strike a balance between focusing on details and seeing the bigger picture. There are times when one has to ignore a few things as long as they don't have a larger impact on the final delivery. One must understand that we are dealing with human beings and sometimes we have to overlook a few minor deficiencies.
Details are important, and one must remain focused all the time; however, in the larger scheme of things, sometimes you have to make adjustments. It could be due to a lack of resources you have at your disposal or just sheer paucity of time. It’s very important for leaders to identify those critical functions and deliverables and take corrective steps, even if it means deviation from SOPs. Leaders must have the courage to take calculated risks. There are times leaders get stuck with a certain way of doing things and, in the bargain, lose sight of the bigger picture. It's important to identify those critical areas and be ready with alternatives. Sometimes a rigid approach could also be detrimental to achieving larger objectives.
Attention to detail is important, no matter what the occupation is. Some jobs have a larger margin for error than others, but they all expect accuracy and reliability. Failing to meet this expectation can severely impact the reputation of the company. This can only be achieved if the leader himself/herself pays attention to the details. The team needs to know that there are systems in place that will identify weaknesses and failures. Monitoring, auditing, and periodic review are very important tools to identify grey areas in the system. A small error can derail the entire process. It is like cooking a dish in your kitchen. The absence of even one ingredient can deprive you of the taste you are expecting. It is very important for leaders to point out mistakes rather than ignoring them. It is very important for the team to know that you pay attention to detail and nothing can be overlooked. Some of the time-tested methods to develop the culture of attention to detail could be the following. I have personally used all of them in my workplace.
Ability to Ignore Your Job Description – It may not be your job to clean the office, but if you notice trash on the floor or a mess in the break room – pick it up! A coworker asks for help with a project that's technically not in your territory? Share the knowledge! The customer will benefit and in turn, so will the company.
Empower Employees – Encourage employees to use their best judgment to delight customers. Whether it's offering a discount for an abnormally long wait or waiving a service fee, let them know you trust them to do the right thing. Then have their back.
Humanise Your Service – Doesn’t matter if your job is fixing machinery or developing software – at the end of the day, you’re working for people. To solve their problems. To make their lives easier. To help.
Don’t Settle – Don’t settle for “that’s good enough.” If the landing page you’re creating doesn’t look right, take the time to figure it out. If the product you’re selling is flawed, work to get it right before you ship.
Seek Feedback – Feedback is important. How can you know the problems to fix until you know they exist? You may never know until you ask. Ask what you could do better. Ask what could be changed. Ask what you did right. Then act on that feedback.
Take Responsibility – We all make mistakes. It happens. When it does, the best thing to do is admit responsibility, apologize, and do what it takes to make things right. Most people are reasonable, and they’re willing to forgive and move on if they feel heard and understood.
