Maybe it is semantics, but I think it is very possible to complete a project/product/job to the very best of your own ability and STILL invite outside involvement and allow others to make suggestions and add value to the endeavor.
The underlying problem isn't only with the users of a system needing to buy in though, the real problem is that if you don't half-ass something it's a lot harder to be humble enough to take the criticism and suggestions of your users. If anything I think the article highlights the character flaw many of us have when we've built something we are proud of. I am willing to bet that he could have rolled out the first "perfect" system in a way that invited the very same user-directed suggestions and gotten great results. Doing so just takes humility, a great work ethic and a lot more intestinal fortitude.
The underlying problem isn't only with the users of a system needing to buy in though, the real problem is that if you don't half-ass something it's a lot harder to be humble enough to take the criticism and suggestions of your users. If anything I think the article highlights the character flaw many of us have when we've built something we are proud of. I am willing to bet that he could have rolled out the first "perfect" system in a way that invited the very same user-directed suggestions and gotten great results. Doing so just takes humility, a great work ethic and a lot more intestinal fortitude.