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# Don't waste my time with 100%
- URL: https://www.aliciamckay.co.nz/dont-waste-my-time-with-100/
- Published: 2026-11-10T21:12:21.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-10T21:12:21.000Z
- Description: Completion and quality are negotiable variables
- Author: Alicia McKay
- Tags: #wednesday-wisdom, Wednesday Wisdom, Work

I've always admired a CEO who would respond to Councillor requests with: '*Would you like an A, B, or C job done of that?*'

Genius: making quality a variable. I've shared this gem with leaders for years now, and perfectionists (once they stop clutching their pearls) are delighted at the permission slip to do things shitly sometimes. 

Yesterday in a training workshop, I learned about someone who specifies how "done" they need something before they see it next: 25%, 50%, 80% etc. Their catchphrase:

'*Don't waste my time with 100%*' 

I am delighted to add this to my arsenal.

This is great for the people doing the work, who don't need to panic about making everything perfect behind the scenes, going to effort the receiver couldn't possibly notice or value. They're less likely to push themselves too hard to meet a deadline, or leave others hanging.

It's also great for the people waiting on the work, who have a clearer understanding of what they're waiting on, and their expectations in the right place. It's frustrating to ask someone for help, then get something back that's way off-base. 

Negotiating quality and completion puts you on the same page and right-sizes the pressure you put on yourself or others. Marvellous. Give it a crack.

Til next week,

AM