The Final 10% of a Job
Last year, I had two different men doing a project at my house. One completed the work as agreed. Although he did what I asked him to do, he left a big pile of trash, he left without asking me to view his work, and he never followed up.
The other man cleaned up his mess daily. Not only did he clean up after himself, but he even helped me haul off the other guy’s trash.
When he was finished, he asked me to look at his work to see if I was satisfied. I expressed my satisfaction, but he saw some small flaws that bothered him. Even though I said they didn’t matter, he insisted on fixing them.
One month after his job was finished, he called to ask if I was still pleased with his work.
The second man gave the final 10%. I’ve referred several other people to him. I didn’t refer anyone to the first worker.
The final 10% might not seem worth it at the time. Over the long haul, I truly believe God blesses the final 10% more than the first 90%.
Someone said it well, “If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing right.”
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So the last 10% is having pride in what you do and I see that clearly. One could say that the one guy went above and beyond and the other did not. I do not see that as the case, I see one guy had pride in his work and did what he needed to do. I see the other guy as doing less than he needed to do and lacked pride in his work.
In my own ministry, I want to be the guy who has pride in his work and does it right. I believe that that is what leadership is and what it does. It leads others to the same and makes a difference for Christ in others.
Thanks for the post and letting me “think through my thoughts”.
The last 10%, the extra mile, the icing on the cake, the finishing touches, so we can be content with just finishing - or we can finish well.
How awesome to think that people care far more about the extra we take the time to add that is not required - than the little flaws in our work along the way.
Very encouraging!
Yep it took a few posts but I think I finally understand. Some heads are thicker than others.
As a pastor it could be that little extra study that makes a mediocre message a little more meaningful to someone. It could be that extra trip to the hospital that could make a difference in someone’s handling of a crisis. It could be stopping to give a hug that gives a person a little extra oomph for their day. Thanks for this series of posts Craig. appreciate also what Jim & Lori said before me (at least they were the only two at the time).
That final 10% makes all the difference
AMEN!
The second man sounds like someone who understands the concept of doing all things unto the glory of God. Thanks for the reminder on the importance of doing all things with excellence.
Do all things with excellence! In fact, instead of just completing the last 10%, go above and beyond by doing an extra 20!
Ooooh I like this!
Great picture of giving the final 10%!
You just inspired me to give the final 10! Great job!
And I just got to reading yesterday’s post. Same thing - I feel inspired to tell someone (I can trust) my fears, insecurities, doubts and weaknesses!
Love this stuff!
Thank you
!
It all comes down to the principle of going the extra mile.
I guess you could also use this analogy looking from a leaders perspective.
By spending a little bit of time each day on your online ministry how much effect would that make on your offline Church?
I see it all the time in my own job. Co-workers taking short cuts. Not doing the job right. It does not make our customers happy when it happens (if the customer finds it). Half the time most of our customers never see it.
However I see it almost every time. Almost every customers house I go to. And it just drags me down. It makes me fill like I am now cleaning up someone elses mess up all the time.
Not giving the final 10% of a job is becomming a habit in our youth and young adults.
I just know I need to keep giving my final 10% of my job and teach my kids to do the same.
The final 10% I will liken to what the Bible says; what ever your hand find to do, do it with all your heart.
Our works speak after us: for or against us long after we are gone!
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Although I am glad to read this post I am a little saddend?? by this concept that everyone grabbed of going the extra mile, icing on the cake, above and beyond. to me it seems that we need to realize it is completly completing. we should follow everything through to completion. I know I have a lot to learn about this. When I see others around me not doing a complete job I am just as guilty as the next person of saying oh it doesn’t matter this is good enough. I have no problem going the extra mile, which I consider doing things that are not our responsibility that we will not directly benefit from just to help others and directly show the love of Christ in an inderect way.
Craig, I’ll have a talk with Tom about that trash he left.
The final 10% is just great customer service on top of the expertise which all expect. I declare that what our world is a derth of good customer service. Christ exemplified this in love for his staff and others. He was the utimate “over and above” exceeding expectations everyday. He was God…….guess we all need to be a little more Godly.
I think many do not offer the final 10% you mentioned because it takes much more than 10% of your time and attention. Completing any project (renovation, building a new ministry etc) well takes a disproportionate amount of effort.