Perfectionism is NOT a Prerequisite for Leadership

Hands up all the perfectionists in the room (damn, I think I pulled a muscle raising my own arm so high).

I will admit that I think this has been one of the biggest barriers in my own leadership journey. That constant questioning of my capability. The constant self-erosion of my confidence. The constant procrastination to avoid delivering something not good enough. The constant FEAR that I will be caught out for the IMPOSTER that I am.

And yet, is there such thing as a perfect leader? Hell no!

Think back on all the good leaders you have worked with, or watched from afar. Were they a good leader because they always got perfect results? Or were they a good leader because they knew how to support their teams through the messy, complex, imperfection that is life? Because whether it was you or them that failed to get that "perfect" result, they knew how to use that failure as the fuel for growth. To turn failure not into the fire (not the extinguisher) of our ambitions.

Good leaders embrace their imperfections with authenticity and vulnerability.

So whatever your leadership ambitions, leave the perfectionist mindset at the door. As Abby Wambach says, "perfection is NOT a prerequisite for leadership".

Instead, choose to join me in the RPC - the Recovering-Perfectionists Club.

P.S. If you are struggling to break past that barrier of perfectionism (it is a toughie), coaching could help. You can always message me if you want to chat about how I could help.

Written by Natalie Dawes, CEO & Founder