Seek Perfection – The Engine of Continuous Improvement

“The artist ought never allow anything to overcome his sense of the main end of art – perfection.” — Michelangelo

Among the guiding principles of the Shingo™ Model, Seek Perfection is one of the most striking. It often prompts the reaction: “Perfection isn’t possible, so why pursue it?”

Why Seek Perfection?

The answer is simple. Seek Perfection is the driving force behind daily, incremental improvement. It captures the true spirit of Kaizen. Imperfection is what fuels innovation. Without the mindset this principle encourages, organisations slip into complacency, accept “good enough,” and risk being overtaken by more ambitious competitors.

This principle isn’t about achieving a flawless state. It’s about refusing to settle. It’s about having the courage to believe tomorrow can be better than today — and acting on that belief.

Seek Perfection ≠ Perfectionism

It’s important to make a clear distinction. Perfectionism can lead to fear of failure, delays, stress and a reluctance to try anything new. It often creates a culture where anything less than perfect is seen as unacceptable.

Seek Perfection is different. It is a mindset of aspiration. As Vince Lombardi famously said, “…if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.” In other words, aiming high lifts performance. Ambition sharpens focus. High standards inspire progress.

Aspirations That Set Direction

This is why many organisations set bold targets such as:

• Zero accidents

• Zero defects

• Zero harm

• Zero waste

These are not predictions. They are declarations of intent. They describe what we should aim for, not what we can achieve today. Step by step, through disciplined increments and PDCA cycles, we move closer.

Think of an F1 pit crew. Their pursuit of perfection doesn’t mean a pit stop will ever be literally perfect — but it’s that mindset that reduces seconds to tenths, and tenths to hundredths.

A Lean Perspective on Perfection

Continuous improvement is about stripping away waste and sharpening focus. As Antoine de Saint-Exupéry observed:

“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

It’s a powerful reminder that simplicity, clarity and flow are the hallmarks of excellence.

Keep Moving Forward

Seek Perfection is not about flawless performance. It’s about relentless progress. When organisations embrace this principle, they build momentum, increase capability and strengthen resilience.

It creates a culture where people are encouraged to improve the work, challenge assumptions and push boundaries. And that is how excellence is achieved — one disciplined, thoughtful step at a time.