I bumped into an old friend at the supermarket today and it occurred to me how important it is to answer when opportunity knocks. This particular friend was one that I had not seen in several years and while we were not particularly close, our shared sense of purpose unified us in ways that transcends time and geography.

Our conversation was short, but sweet, and the chance encounter got me thinking about the importance of attention to detail. This friend was, and likely remains, one of the most detail specific people I have ever met. Her attention to the minutiae that most would gloss over was inspiring and her passion for the properly dotted “i” and the perfectly crossed “t” was unparalleled.

It is said that “the devil is in the details.” I wonder if that is why so many people are afraid to get too close to the details? The details are of course important, but as with all things, there must be balance if perspective is to be maintained. Pay too little attention to the details and you will be called “sloppy.” Pay too much attention to details and you will be labeled “anal retentive.”

The perfect handling of any process, any project or any undertaking for that matter requires perfect handling of the details. How do you handle details perfectly? Try these four steps:

1. Admit to yourself that the details are, in fact, important and worthy of your consideration and care.
2. Be careful to notice the details when they appear.
3. Prioritize the details so that you can keep them in perspective.
4. Handle them accurately, efficiently and diligently (or at least to the very best of your ability).

Just a word of caution: never let a poorly handled detail serve as justification for withdrawing your respect from another. While everyone has the potential for perfection few come close to revealing it in their living 100% of the time. Be gracious with others and look to support others where they are weak. There is a reason that we are all different from one another. It’s called complementation.

No one is complete unto him or herself, in fact, the body of humanity is made a functioning whole by virtue of its component parts (you, me and the other 5,999,999,999 people on earth) working effectively together. Where there is conflict between parts due to dissipative forces such as disrespect, disdain or disparagement, the whole body suffers.

Human interactions are filled with details. How those details are handled determines the nature of your relationships. Sloppy handling leads to messy relationships. Unforgiving and inflexible handling leads to isolation and discouragement. Don’t worry, though, because there is a sweet spot where you can handle the details of your relationships with others absolutely perfectly.

It would be impossible to elaborate on what you must do to handle your unique circumstances and interactions perfectly, but it is my pleasure to offer a few starting points for consideration:

1. Always begin with respect, even if the subject of your attention does not, in your book, merit it.
2. Treat others as you would wish to be treated.
3. Resist the temptation to keep a ledger on those in your world. Always hold open the possibility that others will rise up and not repeat their mistakes.
4. Refuse to take offense when it is offered to you. Be the bigger man or woman, no matter what.
5. Be gracious when receiving and generous when giving.
6. Do what you must to help others find their greatness, even if it means you have to “take a hit for the team.” Your greatness depends on your ability to help others find theirs.
7. Never lose faith in the fundamental and inherent goodness of mankind.

Be the spark that ignites greatness in the world around you today (or for the rest of your life if you’d like). And, oh yes, mind those details!