Skip to main content

The Art of Getting Things Done Right: Why Supervision Beats Hope Every Time

· 4 min read
David Lemayian
David Lemayian

Picture this: You drop off your favorite leather shoes at the cobbler. They're well-worn but beloved, and you're hoping to extend their life. The cobbler nods confidently and says, "Come back in three days." You leave, feeling optimistic.

Three days later, you return to find the stitching is different from what you expected, the color of the new heel doesn't quite match, and there's still a small tear that wasn't addressed. Sound familiar?

This isn't just about shoes. It's a universal experience that teaches us a crucial lesson: Hope is not a strategy.

The Expectation Gap​

When we delegate tasks - whether to a cobbler, a contractor, or a colleague - we often fall into what I call the "expectation gap." We assume that:

  1. Our vision is crystal clear to others
  2. Our standards are universally understood
  3. The price we pay guarantees the quality we expect

But here's the truth: None of these assumptions hold up in reality.

The Three Pillars of Getting Things Done Right​

1. Clear Documentation​

Instead of saying "Fix my shoes," be specific:

  • "Please repair the torn stitching on the left side"
  • "Match the existing brown color for the new heel"
  • "Use similar grain leather for the patch"

2. Timeline Checkpoints​

Don't wait until the final deadline. For our shoe repair example:

  • Day 1: Confirm materials and approach
  • Day 2: Check progress, especially color matching
  • Day 3: Final inspection before completion

3. Measurable Outcomes​

Establish concrete success criteria:

  • "The stitching should be even and match the existing pattern"
  • "No visible color difference between old and new leather"
  • "Repairs should hold up to normal walking"

The Supervision Sweet Spot​

Here's where many people get it wrong: They either micromanage or completely disengage. The key is finding the right balance.

Let's say you're getting your house painted:

  • Too little supervision: "Call me when you're done in two weeks"
  • Too much supervision: Watching every brushstroke
  • Just right: Daily end-of-day progress checks, material quality verification, and addressing concerns as they arise

Making It Work in Practice​

  1. Set Clear Expectations Upfront
    • Write down specifications
    • Take before photos
    • Agree on checkpoints
  2. Create Accountability Systems
    • Schedule check-ins
    • Use progress photos
    • Have a shared checklist
  3. Nurture Open Communication
    • Make it easy to ask questions
    • Address concerns early
    • Give specific feedback

The Cost of Not Supervising​

Remember: The time you spend supervising is an investment, not an expense. Consider these scenarios:

  • Spending 15 minutes clearly explaining your expectations to the cobbler vs. wearing uncomfortable shoes for months
  • Taking 30 minutes daily to check construction progress vs. living with costly mistakes for years
  • Investing an hour in project planning vs. weeks of revisions and frustration

Turning Theory Into Action​

Start with your next project, no matter how small:

  1. Before Starting
    • Write down exactly what you want
    • Break it into measurable milestones
    • Set specific check-in points
  2. During the Process
    • Document progress
    • Address deviations immediately
    • Keep communication channels open
  3. After Completion
    • Review against original specifications
    • Provide detailed feedback
    • Document lessons learned

The Mindset Shift​

Stop thinking of supervision as a lack of trust. Instead, see it as:

  • A tool for clarity
  • A path to excellence
  • A way to respect everyone's time and effort

Remember: You're not being difficult; you're being professional. You're not being picky; you're being precise.

Conclusion​

The next time you delegate a task, remember: Your involvement doesn't end at explaining or paying. It ends when the job is done right. Because in the end, you don't get what you expect or what you pay for - you get what you supervise and inspect.

Start small. Be clear. Stay involved. Watch the quality of your outcomes transform.

After all, if something's worth doing, it's worth doing right. And doing it right requires more than hope - it requires your engaged attention.

info

What's your next project?​

Did I miss something? Let me know - get in touch.