Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You ignore the flaw, knowing that your exhausted state and stress level have allowed your mind to exaggerate its importance.
A week before your deadline, your client is examining your work on his book and discovers the tiny flaw. He asks if you noticed it. You admit you did. Enraged, he asks why you didn't bring it to his attention.
You tell him that a tiny flaw in real calfskin parchment is natural and to be expected. In actual fact, it brings added value and uniqueness to a book.
He begins to rant and rave about your careless workmanship and inattention to detail. You are appalled at his behavior and tell him to leave your workshop. He stomps out the door with the book under his arm.
He feels that he is not in total control of this product. You did not allow him to decide whether the sheet should be replaced. Next time, you'll know better.
Priscilla Spitler is a specialist in limited edition hand-bound books. She works in Smithville, Texas. "This is a medium or craft that requires precision work. Each step builds on the previous one, so if you have made a mistake, it can compound until corrected or started over," she says.