In calculus, to find the points where the function is maximized or minimized, you can find the points where the slope of the function is zero. In business there are many results that we want to maximize like revenue or profit, and some results that we want to minimize like time to market.
Even when we feel like we have maxed out, we may just be at the top of one mountain. Sometimes we need to go down the peak that we’re on to find a higher one to climb.
Top performers like Amazon apply the Japanese theory of Kaizen , continuous improvement, to ensure that they are always learning and getting better.
Continuous improvement is more than just a one off effort, it is an everyday effort. Just like everything else, learning, implementing, and optimizing just go smoother with helpful and trusted advisors.