Knowledge is great. It gives you the power to make decisions and even keeps you from making the wrong ones. However, if you get to the point where you believe you know everything, that is going to hurt your ability to make those decisions. At that point, you will lose trust in your abilities.

You are one smart cookie. Perhaps you went to a great college which landed you a great job after graduation. Once you start working, however, you get fixated that you know everything there is to know. That is when you are in danger of losing your edge. You will start to make bad decisions which could end up costing you a job or two.

It is important to trust yourself with the knowledge you have learned. However, times and technologies change, and you need to be ready for those changes. Too many people get left behind by getting comfortable in their current positions. Continue reading →

Are you a perfectionist? If so, your expectations may be set too high. It is an admirable trait to want everything to be perfect. The trouble is there is no time for it. You will also find that most people aren’t perfectionists. You are certain to be disappointed in them.

You need to learn how to manage expectations. It is a delicate balance, and you have to know when you have done as much as you should. You can always do more, but you need to move on.

Another problem with perfectionism is you may miss opportunities. Suppose you decide to hold off releasing a product because you want to put more features into it. You delay the release of the product by several months, only to find that your competitors are finished releasing their versions. The product you would have released was better than your competitors. Customers would have likely bought your products over your competitors. Try explaining that one to management or shareholders! Continue reading →