Good morning, Team!  It’s Friday!…and the first day of Summer!

During a recent debate with close friends, the topic came up about detail-oriented people compared to precision-minded people.  I felt they were interrelated while my counterpart saw things differently.  Since we were short on time, we carried the debate one small step forward but didn’t finish, a little like a chess game that sits idle for days while two players contemplate their next move.

I thought the topic made for good subject matter today, so…

EnGuarde!

If you are, have or will be looking for a job, you’ve probably seen the term “detail-oriented” in the desired skill list of a posting.  Defined by Quora as:

A detail oriented person is someone who pays attention to the details and can make a conscious effort to understand causes instead of just the effects, and that does this in a second nature type of way. It shouldn’t be something that the person has to work at.

Synonyms for “detail-oriented” can include: “meticulous, punctilious, conscientious, careful, diligent, attentive, ultra-careful, scrupulous, painstaking, exact, precise, accurate, correct, thorough, studious, exhaustive, mathematical, detailed, perfectionist, methodical, particular, religious, and strict.”

Oxford English Dictionary

Precision definition: the quality, condition, or fact of being exact and accurate.

Exact and accurate seem to show up in third party descriptions so I think they are interrelated through definition.  When it comes to practice, I maintain detail-oriented skill is foundational in order to achieve precision.

Perhaps the real difference, no matter how subtle, is that one can appreciate precision without wanting to be detail-obliged.  Like admiring a fine automobile styling, handling and performance without having to build it.

How does this relate to leadership?  From my perspective, leaders are expected to generate excellence in their products and services (which always tracks back to people).  If a detail-oriented leader can’t let go of their tendencies, they quickly become micro-managers and no one likes working for a micro-manager.

Leaders should have an appreciation for precision AND detail-oriented skills but should keep their fingers out of the details.

Have a blessed weekend!