The point of Dan's entry wasn't to discuss the price of cognac or even the price of bread in Spain. Rather, it was to illustrate that while perfection is valued, talent is valued even more. I believe that is a point that most of us overlook far too often. Whether we're looking at a resume, evaluating an interview, or engaging in annual review, we focus on the faults of candidates and employees. In effect, we demonstrate to those that we hope to recruit and retain that we value perfectionism for we harp about their imperfections.

Yet successful organizations are not driven by those who make no mistakes. Why? Because those who make no mistakes are often unable or unwilling to make any decisions or take any actions lest they run the risk of being less than perfect. Successful organizations are driven by their stars. They're driven by those who have vision. Who are willing to take risks. Who are willing to accept short-term defeats in return for long-term successes. They're driven by talent. And that, folks, is why a glass of Talent costs $1,090 per glass.