6. Striving for perfection is a sign of arrogance

Colleagues,

This week we focus on being a more intentional leader.

MVP: Striving for perfection is a sign of arrogance
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Yes, admit it, this one probably gets your hackles up. 
 
Part of leadership is holding yourself (and others) to high standards. It is good to know what the perfect version of something should look like, but it is not worth investing in it. 
 
To think you could do something perfectly is itself an arrogant notion. You are only mortal. 
 
In the striving for perfection, what are you leaving undone? 
 
I used to only be willing to send out “perfect” emails. So, if I didn’t have time to do more than dash off a quick response, or if I didn’t have the schedule, the worksheet, the letter, whatever it was, in “perfect” shape, I would hold it until I could get it “perfect.” 
 
The result was that I never finished them and instead of having something good enough from me, people got nothing. Perfectly nothing. 
 
The perfect is the enemy of the good (paraphrase from Voltaire), so get over it and cut yourself some slack. You aren’t perfect.
 
Intention: Process the emotions you had while reading this message. If you felt resistance, interrogate why.

Our annual summer tradition is to share the most important things I’ve learned from other people throughout the month of July. This summer we have 20 lessons. You will receive one a day until we are done. If you feel particularly moved and want to share a reaction, please ​reply​!

Cheers!

Frederick