The Trilemma of Excellence: Navigating Between Cheap, Fast, and Quality

Nicholas Domnisch

Nicholas Domnisch

CEO | Partner

Published 2023-08-17

Explore the intricate balance between cost, speed, and quality in the business landscape. Dive into historical examples and insights from EES to understand the enduring value of prioritizing quality. Navigate the trilemma of excellence with us.

In the modern business landscape, companies often find themselves at a crossroads, facing the trilemma of delivering solutions that are cheap, fast, and of high quality. Two guiding principles, "Quality is not an act, it's a habit," and "Quality is never an accident," illuminate this intricate dance. While history offers tales that underscore this, at EE Solutions (EES), we've grappled with this trilemma firsthand, making deliberate choices in the name of quality.


Apple's Unyielding Standard: Quality Over Cost



Steve Jobs's Apple never aimed to be the cheapest on the market. Instead, they prioritized creating products that were unparalleled in quality and design. This commitment often meant higher price points, but the result was a loyal customer base willing to pay a premium for superior products. Apple's trajectory underscores that quality, while not always the cheapest route, creates lasting value.


The Titanic's Cautionary Tale: The Price of Speed Over Quality



The Titanic's ill-fated voyage remains a poignant reminder of the dangers of prioritizing speed and cost over quality. In the race to create an opulent ship quickly and within budget, critical safety measures were compromised. The outcome was a catastrophic loss, emphasizing that cutting corners on quality can have dire consequences. Yes, they did hit an iceberg, but if the lower section of the ship was watertight like it was supposed to be then it is likely that the Titanic might not have ended up at the bottom of the ocean. The lesson? Quality isn't a luxury; it's a necessity.


SpaceX's Vision: Redefining Value in Space Exploration



SpaceX, with its groundbreaking approach to space travel, has shown that quality doesn't always have to come at a premium. By reimagining rockets as reusable entities, they've managed to cut costs without compromising on the quality or safety of their missions. It's a testament to the idea that with innovation, the trilemma can be tackled head-on.


EES's Quality-Centric Approach in a Cost-Conscious World


At EES, the trilemma of cheap, fast, and quality is a familiar challenge. We've faced situations where potential clients desire top-notch solutions quickly and at a lower cost. While the allure of delivering fast and cheap solutions is undeniable, we've often chosen to prioritize quality, even if it means a higher investment or longer timelines. Because for us, quality isn't just a deliverable; it's a promise we make to our clients.


Conclusion: The Enduring Quest for Quality Amidst Cost and Speed


The business world's age-old trilemma of cheap, fast, and quality is a challenge that demands a delicate balance. While it's tempting to aim for all three, history and our experiences at EES show that quality, when prioritized, yields lasting value and trust, transcending the constraints of cost and time. I’m not saying that cost and time aren’t important by any means. What I am saying is if you are going to cut corners now you might end up with a ship at the bottom of the ocean.

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