Perfection is rare, greatness is your destiny!
Paul Arden once said, “Too many people spend too much time trying to perfect something before they actually do it. Instead of waiting for perfection, run with what you have, and fix it along the way.” I cannot reiterate this enough, perfect has, and always will, be the enemy of great.
In previous columns, we have addressed change, transformation, revitalization, and how best to achieve these. The key ingredient for success is typically the ability to enact these efforts quickly and decisively. Remember, great changes rarely come through evolution; they will come through revolution. They come because of a willingness to be decisive and act. Those moving slowly through change are usually indecisive and most likely afraid of change. You can spot those most resistant to change as they consistently are attempting to find ways to slow it down.
While moving slow usually hinders change and transformation, another threat to change is the expectation of perfection. When communities, businesses, and companies embark on change, especially unknown change, they tend to measure their success based on perfection and how well they do as it relates to their original plans and goals. Understand that change comes with alterations, failure, and bumps. Even worse, many get caught in the trap of seeking perfection and ignoring the greatness that may be occurring right before them.
One of the greatest attributes of transformational leadership is understanding that nearly every worthwhile transformation will involve pivots and deviating from the original plans. Transformational leadership is truly an art. Transformational leadership is the art of understanding when to pivot, how to pivot, where to pivot, and finally, when to rinse and repeat doing it again. All too commonly, communities or businesses become bogged down in attempting to create a perfect model or execute the perfect plan. While we might give them an A-plus for attempting to stick to the script, they receive an F-minus because they are unwilling to adjust the script. As they say, a great sailor can sail his boat in all sorts of winds by simply adjusting the sails.
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Editor’s note: John Newby is a nationally recognized publisher, community, chamber, business, and media strategic consultant and speaker. His “Building Main Street, not Wall Street” column runs in more than 60 communities around the country. He assists community leaders, businesses, and local media in building synergies and creating more vibrant communities. He can be reached at info@Truly-Localllc.com.