Chasing perfection

Suggests that aiming for zero defects, though admirable, is not always attainable nor appropriate in certain areas. Outlines a “playful” approach to TQM that postulates that a “zero defect” approach is, in many, ways, abnormal ‐ nature is full of seeming imperfections, for example. The author gives examples in fables and personal experience of the paradox of aiming at zero defects. He suggests that appreciating the kind of defect, on a sliding scale, is more important and to be too serious about removing all defects as an end in itself is, in the end, self‐defeating.