When (and How) To Confront a Staff Member’s Lack of Detail Orientation

I received a great question from a leader in our community: How much should you “correct” when small details are missed (misspellings, misinformation, lack of attention to detail)?

I love this question. Let’s jump in…

You and Me and OCD

Some people say I care too much about details, but I firmly believe they are wrong. Maybe I have a touch of detail OCD, but that’s because I understand one fundamental truth:

Details matter.

Everything—whether it’s a product, service, or blog post—is a sum of its parts. When the small things come together, they create something much larger. This isn’t about having OCD; it’s about leading with excellence.

Everything Communicates

As a professional communicator, I’ve learned that everything I do on stage communicates something. My words, my appearance, even the tiniest details like spelling errors in my notes or presentations—everything says something about who I am and what I value.

Everything communicates. 

Imagine reading this post and finding typos. What would you think? How would you feel about my expertise and advice? That’s why details matter.

When you lead an individual or team that isn’t paying enough attention to detail, it’s time to act.

6 Tips for Leading People To Pay Better Attention to Details

1. Cast Vision for Your Position

It’s crucial to communicate why details matter. If your team doesn’t understand the importance of getting the small things right, they may become complacent. Use examples, like spelling errors or a messy lobby, to illustrate how everything communicates. Make sure your team understands that attention to detail isn’t just a quirk—it’s an organizational standard of excellence.

2. Offer Supporting Tools

Not everyone is naturally detail-oriented, and that’s okay. If a team member struggles with details, provide them with tools to help. For example, I use Grammarly to catch spelling errors and AI tools to manage other details. Offer support, cast vision for improvement, and provide the tools they need to succeed.

3. Embrace That Perfection Is the Perversion of Great

Perfection is an unrealistic standard. When your team feels that only perfection is acceptable, they may become paralyzed, delaying projects and avoiding risks. Aim for excellence, but be realistic. Encourage your team to strive for their best while understanding that occasional mistakes are a part of growth.

4. Focus on Repeated Mistakes More Than Initial Errors

People will make mistakes; it’s part of being human. But repeated mistakes indicate a bigger issue. When errors happen, acknowledge them, offer support, and help your team members avoid making the same mistake twice. If the same errors keep happening, it’s time to address the underlying problem.