When engineers design bridges, they estimate the amount of forces that will be exerted on the bridge. They engineer the bridge to withstand those forces plus a “margin of error.”
So, if a small bridge is intended to support 50 tons of weight at any given time, the engineers might design the bridge to handle 150 tons.
The additional 100 tons of capacity is known as the “margin of error.”
It allows for engineers to make small mistakes without compromising the safety of the bridge.
It allows for small defects in the materials to be compensated for in advance.
It allows for real world conditions to be more severe than engineers had assumed and for the bridge to still be safe.
All types of mechanical engineering projects have a margin of error.
The designs and manufacturing specifications for an airplane have a margin of error (thankfully!).
The same is true with residential construction, automobile crash performance, and numerous other safety-related items.
Margin of error is a good thing!
This concept applies outside of engineering as well.
From a personal finance perspective, having a large emergency fund with 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses provides you with a financial margin of error in the case of some major unexpected event.
From a career management perspective, don’t build your career plans so you just barely get a promotion or just barely avoid getting fired. Build your plan so that you land your next promotion by a very wide margin. I call this being “too high a performer to ignore.”
From a client service standpoint, don’t just have clients that are barely satisfied. Serve clients so they are blown away by how well you serve their needs. (The expression “under promise, over deliver” is based upon this principle.)
From a romantic relationship perspective, don’t just be a spouse, significant other, or partner that is slightly better than tolerable. Strive to be an exceptional and exceptionally responsive and caring partner.
In everything you do, do extra to provide yourself with a margin of error. It’s a little bit more work, but it creates a lot more stability in your life.
What do you think about this approach? Comment below to let me know.
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