What is The Complacency Gap?
In the mist of Covid-19 (Corona Virus), we at JDS WebDesign are hoping everyone is safe, washing your hands frequently, sneezing and coughing in your elbow, and practicing social distancing. Over the next several weeks, we are planning on blogging about how to make your website more business friendly. We will have some tutorials on our favorite plugins and features, which will make your site more efficient.
Previously, we discuss the Procrastination Gap which should not be confused with the Complacency Gap. Procrastination deals with waiting or postponing something to the last moment or deadline. Complacency is a different type of issue.
So what is complacency?
According to Wikipedia, “Complacency is a feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, especially when coupled with an unawareness of danger, trouble, or controversy.” Again, we are not doctors. And we do not pretend to be doctors. Complacency occurs when you feel that the task is completed, when actually it is not. So you slack off and beginning doing other things.
Complacency tends to occur, at least in our view, when you do not want to share an ideal or solution with someone outside of yourself. A few years ago, we was presented with a potential project. The prospective client was ultra secret. We had to sign off on Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA), which need to be forward to our attorney. It was 25 pages long. After getting through all the preliminary task, the project was no different from any other non profit organization. When this was mentioned to the Founder, we were greeted with “this is what makes our organization different”. There was a feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, that they was missing the true essences of non profit organization. To assist a cause, an individual, or to raise awareness to something…not to gain wealth or fame.
Ways to combat complacency?
Community. You need to belong to a community. Friends, colleagues, and/or family, who are going to give you honest answers. We bounce all our projects off a group of about 5 web designer. They provide us with some honest feedback. Does the client’s message make sense? Could you tell what type of site it is, especially in the first 20 seconds? Do the colors and fonts make sense? Do you want to be apart of the organization? This sense of involvement, keeps us from getting too complacency.
Mental State. Mental Illness is real. Being open to discuss how you feel to a professional is fine. Sometimes the complacency is not about the person, but they might need some assistance. We have a policy to check on clients, especially if we have not heard from them in the last 90 days (quarter). A small card, short email, and/or gift card to let them know that we are thinking about them. Never be afraid to discuss your feeling with a professional.
Image by Allie.
JDS WebDesign is a Web Design and Brand Marketing Agency located in Marietta, Georgia. We create AWESOME on line presence for Start-ups and Influential People/Organizations. To learn more about us or how we can help you and your organization, you can contact us or schedule a meeting.
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