5th Feb 2024
“The Devil’s in the Details” implies that mistakes are often hidden in the minutiae. It’s a cautionary reminder that even the smallest oversight can undermine a grand plan. Attention to detail can be the difference between success and failure.
Have you ever found a hidden ‘devil’ in your projects?
The slang term “the devil is in the details” has a number of different senses. All of the meanings for the term boil down to the fact that it is often the small details of something that make it challenging. These details can prolong a task, or foil an otherwise straightforward dealing. Like many proverbs which involve the devil, it is meant to sound a note of caution. It may also be used to excuse or explain the obfuscation of an otherwise very simple project or task.
Pay attention to detail – to the smallest thing.
Benjamin Franklin offered a poetic perspective in his variation of the proverb explaining why detailing is important and the consequences it can lead to in its absence.
“For the want of a nail, the shoe was lost,
For the want of a shoe, the horse was lost,
For the want of a horse, the rider was lost,
For the want of a rider, the battle was lost,
For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost,
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail”
A small leak,
A small tear,
A small overhead,
A small expense
A small misadventure
A small mistake
May not be undone.
Pay attention to detail and small things for they can lead to major complications and loss of “kingdom.
Make detailing a habit, don’t forget to read the fine print, and stay blessed forever.