I don't see where I stated that at all. Maintaining the status quo is a possibility and I guess it would be adequate for a business if all their competitors had the same feelings. One additional option could be to intentionally tank the company.
You said,
Standing by and doing nothing is just an invitation to your competitor to take away some of your market share and possibly put you out of business.
Which seems to indicate that the two alternatives are doing nothing (or maintaining status quo, which is the same thing, effectively) or seeking perfection. It
is possible to take action to significantly improve things without creating unreachable goals, however. My own opinion is that goals should always be attainable, but your mileage may vary.
The word perfection is thrown around alot, but that is a driving factor for many.
Perfectionism is usually considered a neurotic condition.
Maybe it is bowling a perfect game, maybe it is eating a perfectly prepared meal.
One of those things is objectively possible, and the other isn't, in a general sense.
For businesses, perhaps it driving every ounce of possible waste from the system.
Note your use of the word "possible". This is different from saying, "drive out all waste."
This is Toyota's goal and it appears to be working well for them, yet even they realize that it is an unlikely possibility.
I think you have too many "possibles." Why should Toyota, or anyone else, believe that something possible (your word) is an "unlikely possibility"? That's not what we're talking about, but the other side of the coin (something that's impossible being an "unlikely possibility) is wrong too.
But because something isn't attainable, does that mean it can't be a driving force?
Not necessarily, but I think it's more likely to be neutral or destructive.
I was simply stating that it is important to view the possibilities and potential that could be realized if people/companies worked towards perfection. What the individual's perception of perfection means, is left up to them to define.
But it's also important to view the possibilities for damage to be done, not least of which is morale being beaten beyond recognition by never allowing the mule to reach the carrot. And you simply
can't leave it up to individuals in business to define what key terms mean. Lack of clear definitions makes any goal-seeking impossible, and can only result in chaos.