Blog 3898 – 07.25.2026

The Danger of Short Cuts

For the last ten or so years of my working life I traveled the country and even had a couple of assignments over seas as a third party inspector for oil and gas companies. The job of third party inspectors such as myself was to monitor work processes to insure the that products, installation, and the servicing of them met all the regulatory health, safety, and environmental requirements. 

Our task was to help insure that quality and safety practices were followed as outlined in the job specifications. Too often the pressure to deliver on time and to maximize profit margins can lead to short cutting vital steps in any work processes. Having worked as an expeditor for several manufacturing companies and later in their quality control and quality assurance departments, I came to know these pressures well.

I saw my job as trying to slow people down to make sure that no steps were missed. If someone has a faster more efficient or less costly way to do something it should be thoroughly investigated, proven and documented before implementation.

A favorite quote of mine comes from long time journalist Eric Sevareid: “Most of our problems are caused by our solutions.” 

Quick fixes and shortcuts seldom are either one. Doing things right the first time is the surest and most successful way to meet not only on time delivery and cost goals, but also produce quality parts and services that meet health, safety, and environmental requirements as well.

I recently quoted the old saying, “You cannot do wrong and get by, no matter how hard you may try.” Quick fixes and shortcuts always end up presenting a big bill, not just in business, but also in our personal lives as well. “Slow and steady wins the race.” 

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David James White