The 90% Solution
Years ago, we were trying to automate our pack lists at Footers — the reports that tell the warehouse what needs to be loaded for an event. We knew our software had the capability, but we couldn’t quite figure out how to make it work. After many failed attempts and stop-start efforts, I told the team: either we figure this out, or we decide it's no longer worth our time and energy.
Then someone asked a game-changing question:
"What if the pack list was only 90% automated? Would that still be useful?"
The 90% Solution: the Footer’s Team during a brainstorming session
The immediate answer: Yes!
If 90% of the list could be generated automatically, we could easily fill in the remaining 10% manually — and still save a ton of time.
That shift in mindset changed everything. Within 30 minutes, we had a solid prototype. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a huge improvement. We eventually refined the system further, getting closer to 100% as we tested and learned.
The lesson? Our obsession with perfection was getting in the way of progress.
As organizations grow, there's often more pride and pressure to get everything right. But sometimes, what we really need is to start with a solid 90% and improve from there.
To be clear — there are areas, especially in execution, where excellence matters. But when you're building something new, launching a process, or introducing a fresh idea, aiming for perfect can hold you back.
This week, take a look around your organization.
Is there a project, idea, or improvement that’s stuck in pursuit of perfection?
What would happen if you moved forward with a 90% solution — and let progress lead to perfection?
Keep MIBE-ing!
Anthony Lambatos
Founder, MIBE
Hospitality Culture Training
Owner, Footers Catering
P.S. Start your progress now: Join us at our MIBE Heart Leadership Workshop in August.
