We have all been in that meeting. The air is thick, everyone is guarded, and it feels like you are walking on eggshells. In my experience, this usually happens when a “perfectionism mindset” takes root. Walls go up, trust erodes, and the “elephant in the room” grows until it stalls the entire organization.
Perfectionism is an impossible target. It is a moving goalpost that creates a toxic culture of fear. But there is a better way. By shifting your focus from perfectionism to excellence, you can transform your leadership and build a magnetic culture that attracts and retains top talent.
Redefining Excellence
Excellence is not about being flawless. I define excellence as doing the best you can with what you have, where you are, and what you know.
This means the “bar” for excellence will look different for a new hire than it does for a seasoned veteran. As a leader, you must communicate this clearly. It is not about inequality; it’s about customizing your leadership to the person and the situation. When you set clear, person-specific expectations upfront, you remove the guesswork and the fear.
The Power of the Rough Draft
One of the biggest traps for business owners is waiting until a project is “perfect” to launch. I have been there. I have delayed key decisions, like transitioning to full-time coaching, because I wanted everything to be lined up just right. But delay only feels safe until it causes a bigger problem.
Leadership requires steps of faith. Use the “Rough Draft” analogy:
- Test Internally: Keep the first iteration within the team or a small group of confidantes.
- Invite Friction: Tell your team you want them to poke holes in the draft.
- Iterate: Use feedback to create a second, then a final version.
Building a Magnetic Culture
Magnetic leaders create a safe landing space. When you move beyond perfectionism, you give your people the freedom to fail forward. This inspires them. It builds a culture where people are willing to take risks because they know the first iteration does not have to be the final one.
If you are tired of the “eggshell” culture and want to lead with excellence, let’s talk.
Until next time, make today GREAT!
P.S. Are you leading with a perfectionist mindset or an excellence mindset? Let’s find out together. Visit ww.mcclurecoaching.com/free-strategy-session to apply for a free strategy session. Whether you need personal help or team training, I can help you bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to go. Let’s work together to develop an action plan.
