ABSTRACT
The pursuit of perfection can sabotage progress. Projects that are successful at an early stage are extremely rare, and there is much to learn when fledgling efforts fail in the short term. Long-term success depends on understanding that ideas get refined over time. Reflecting on the weakness of early iterations can improve subsequent versions, which can eventually lead to a strong and successful end product. The Japanese concept of “kaizen,” or continuous improvement, points to a method by which organizations can get at the root causes of a project’s failure. In kaizen, teams can utilize W. Edward Deming’s “plan, do, check, act” cycle to create a process of continuous reflection and improvement. Kaizen also emphasizes that the staff closest to the issue are the ones best equipped to brainstorm possible solutions.
