The LEGO Brick, Perfectionism and Productivity

The LEGO Group's motto in Danish is "Det bedste er ikke for godt". This has two similar but slightly different English translations, one more figurative and one more literal. Below will be each translation and my exploration as to how it can relate to productivity and perfection.

...is the more well-known "loose" translation of The LEGO Group's motto. This phrase can be very motivating when striving for excellence. It causes one to ask such questions as:

• Is my (product, pitch, manuscript) the best that it can be?

• What can I do to make it the best?

• Am I performing at my best, and if not what do I need to change?

While "Only the best is good enough" can push us further, the picture of stark perfectionism it paints is daunting, especially when we can't find the time, resources or motivation to reach the level of perfection we desire. We are human after all, and none of us are perfect.

...is the more literal word-for-word translation of "Det bedste er ikke for godt". Working with the mindset that "the best" or perfection are accessible goals without ruthlessly racing toward them can lift a tremendous amount of pressure off a workload. Rather than asking "Is this perfect?" one can ask questions like:

• Is this the best I can do with what I have?

• Does this need to be absolutely perfect?

• Is my standard for perfection unreasonably high?

Questions like these can open the door for more honest evaluations of our own abilities and perceptions.

Realizing that we cannot be totally perfect is important, but we must also be wary that we don't lower our expectations too far and fall into mediocrity. There is a balance to be struck between the pursuit of perfection and burnout prevention.

"The best is not too good" can also work like a "You can do it!" to remind us that even if we aren't perfect, we should still give it the best we can.

Quality and heart go hand-in-hand. Consumers are smart. They can usually spot a quality product, and they know if it's made with love or just thrown together. LEGO is a family company, but it's also one of the biggest brands in the world. You don't get there by being mediocre (Only best is good enough) but you also can't get there by blindly rushing towards what may seem perfect at the time or is simply mainstream (The best is not too good).