Is It 'Good Enough' for Now? Essential Questions to Ask After 'Gut It Out' Planning

As a serial CEO and now as a coach, I've found myself frequently using the phrase “Good Enough”—and I mean every single day! This wasn't always the case. As a former perfectionist, the idea of "Good Enough" once kept me awake at night. Yet, I’ve discovered that embracing "Good Enough" has become a crucial factor in achieving success for both my companies and my clients.

Why "Good Enough" Matters

In the past, being wrong as a CEO felt daunting. The fear of leading the team in the wrong direction, disappointing them, or failing them was overwhelming. However, to move forward and drive progress, it’s essential to overcome the fear of being wrong. Accepting that something is “Good Enough” can actually propel you and your organization toward success.

The Power of “Good Enough”

Accepting 'Good Enough' means you’re ready to move past perfectionism and focus on making progress. It involves working with your team to determine if a solution or strategy is sufficient for the moment. The key questions to ask are: “Is it 'Good Enough' for now?” and “Can we adapt and improve as we go?”

Here’s why this approach works:

• Increased Clarity and Focus: By acknowledging what’s “Good Enough,” you and your team gain more clarity and focus on your goals. This mindset helps in continuously refining your strategies and plans.
• Ongoing Improvement: Building a company isn’t about creating a perfect strategy once. It’s about evolving and adapting plans as you grow and as market conditions change. Embracing “Good Enough” allows for continuous improvement and forward momentum.
• Efficient Iteration: By accepting that a plan or strategy is “Good Enough” for now, you enable quicker decision-making and execution. You can always revisit and refine the approach through regular reviews—daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Iterate and Evolve

The concept of “Good Enough” is integral to developing and evolving your company’s strategic direction. It’s not about settling for mediocrity but about ensuring that you’re moving forward with what you have and iterating as necessary. This approach helps keep your team focused and adaptable, driving your company in the right direction.

If you have questions about how to implement the “Good Enough” principle in your organization or need guidance on evolving your strategic plans, don’t hesitate to reach out!

— Shannon Byrne Susko