I have one of those fancy-smancy coffee makers that grinds the beans and brews the coffee automatically.
Of course, you have to set it up each night which requires loading the grinder, filling the water, replacing the filter and setting the carafe in place. It's a task that I have come accustomed to doing, and the grinder doubles as an alarm clock when it roars into action in the morning.
However, this morning I overslept a bit. And when I reached for the coffee pot and it was empty. A quick analysis revealed that I had made a fatal error:
I did not hit the "program" button which is the last step in the process.
And while that is a seemingly minor detail, it derailed the entire coffee-making/waking up on time process. One little omission is now going to affect my entire day.
Paying attention to details is important, because although we can do NEARLY everything correctly when conducting business or doing a task, one little slip up can cost us. And it's a shame to lose all of that hard work because of a single omission.
Now if you'll excuse me, I think that my coffee is ready ...finally!
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Richard, I can so relate to that coffee debacle, LOL. But yes, you are right, attention to detail is so important.
And FYI, my coffee maker, my beloved La Peppina, IS WORKING AGAIN!
Great analogy Richard! I always look forward to your blogs.
I bet you are really enjoying that coffee more than usual huh? :)
Richard,
Sometimes we just get to confident in what we are doing and wind up overlooking a key step in the process. We do need to stay focused.
I hope that your day flows better now that you have had your first cup. ;-)
Richard,
If they ever forget to hit that button at Dunkin Donuts, I'm in trouble. With your caffeine jolt...back to work.
Rich
Hi Richard,
Setting up our coffee pot so it will grind wonderful coffee every morning is something my dear Geno does ever night. I probably would not know how it works. This is something he likes to do and I appreciate and depend on him taking care of this chore. You are right attention to detail is very important, one omission set the tone of the day! Thanks for the great analogy!
A lot of truth in them beans words! I think we all have been there with deals and coffee!
Richard....I love to read your words of wisdom.....I print them out and email them to my team members....this is a great one and I thank you.
Oh the horror! But seriously, you are right. It is all about the details because that is what makes all the difference.
Andrea...
Glad to hear that your beloved appliance has been resurrected! lol and thanks.
Jackie...
How did you know? Thanks so much.
Don...
Overconfidence has brought down better men than me! Thanks my friend.
Hi Richard,
Great analogy as always! Just goes to show that even experience can be clouded when we assume that something is on auto-pilot.
Gotta go get some caffeine now. Hope you are having a great and profitable day!
Richard: This attention to details discussion reminds me of the movie Office Space--a classic in my home. If you haven't seen it, you must. Anyway, these office workers were feel under appreciated and under paid set in motion a plan to take thousandths of a cent from the office credit union and deposit it into a bank account. They calculate their balance will grow slowly over time. The first day their available balance is HUGE. The poor guy who wrote the software program says, "I always mess up some mundane detail." Details are soooo important.
Richard, I don't drink coffee so I don't exactly relate to this particular example but I do agree that importance to detail is paramount.
Richard:
Nothing ruins the day faster than the lack of that precious cup (or two). My coffee maker is not fancy but it is crucial to my existence. I can relate.
It is the details that make and brake our business and our lives in many ways.
Hope the coffee was extra good.
It's not over until it's over, and you have to make every step for it all to count. One little thing overlooked and you have to make a trip to Starbuck's.
Richard, I can really relate to the importance of coffee to start the day. My attorney had a Keurig single-cup brewing system and would always pop in a single pod and make me different types of coffee. I was hooked -- had to have one (actually two - one at the office and one at home). I always have fresh coffee in less than a minute. If the power ever goes out, you will probably see me out on the lawn, building a fire and making cowboy coffee. I hope it is a long, long time before you ever get derailed with your coffee.
This makes me laugh at myself, Richard. About six weeks ago, I was supposed to go in for routine bloodwork. It means fasting. I have no problem with fasting, EXCEPT that it includes morning coffee. Needless to say, I have not had my bloodwork done yet.... I can go without food in the morning - but NOT my coffee!
Debi
Richard, we reap what we sow. Oops, no seeds planted. Starving Richard, I mean no easy cup of Joe.
This is a great analogy. The details are usually the things that can derail us. Hopefully you enjoyed the cup of coffee in the end.
One of my clients (a very successful business man) recently gave me a little quote about planning ahead. I can't share it here because I plan to blog it ;-) But it backs up your analogy. We must plan ahead, or we will not succeed.