With all the interactions we have with one another each day, it’s not realistic to think that every one of them can be perfect.
You’re not perfect, your team isn’t perfect, and you know what? That’s okay. When we put on the pressure for things to be just right or for everything to work out the way we wish it always would, we set ourselves and our people up for disappointment.
The same goes for when you are preparing for a presentation or speech. Look, most people (if not all) feel some level of nervousness when they speak in public. When I coach presenters and work to help them get to the root of their anxiousness, we often uncover that the fear of being imperfect is the main culprit. It…
- stops them from being themselves.
- makes them look and sound nervous.
- puts up a wall between them and the audience.
- adds unnecessary pressure.
I get it. Nobody likes to look silly in front of others (well, I don’t mind but that’s a story for another day). And you do need to prepare well in order to present well.
But when we let the pursuit of perfection paralyze us, nobody wins.
Imagine if everyone — every creative person, every parent, every leader — could offer the gifts they have to share with the world without fearing they’re not good enough, smart enough, or whatever enough.
Wow, I like that image.
I believe that good communication and leadership require intention, thought, practice, and care. Does that mean all communications must be perfect?
No.
Don’t go for perfect. Aim to make your communication matter to someone.
Then you both win.