Breaking Free from the Pressure of Perfection

As we reflect on the recent National Voter Registration Day, we’re reminded of the critical role women play in shaping democracy through leadership. Established in 2012, this day encourages voter registration, particularly among underrepresented communities, and serves as a powerful call to action for women to step into leadership roles. The history of this day highlights not only our right to vote but also our responsibility to support leaders who advocate for equity and progress—especially women who often face heightened scrutiny and unrealistic expectations.

The Pressure to Be Perfect

I’ve lived this experience as the first Black mayor of my hometown. From the moment I stepped into office, I felt the weight of expectations on my shoulders. Every decision I made was scrutinized through a lens that seemed to amplify my imperfections. I often heard whispers questioning my qualifications and doubting my abilities, and the pressure to prove myself as not just capable, but exceptional, was overwhelming.

In contrast, many of my male counterparts—particularly White men—often navigate leadership with a different set of expectations. They have the luxury of being perceived as "good enough," where mediocrity can sometimes be tolerated or overlooked. Their mistakes are frequently seen as learning opportunities, while the mistakes of women are viewed as reflections of a larger failure. This disparity not only highlights the uneven standards women face but also underscores the need for a cultural shift in how we evaluate leadership.

More recently, when I first began planning the Women Mayors Collective virtual retreat for March 2025, I toiled with endless ideas. I wanted to create the perfect retreat—something that would fully represent my vision for empowering women in leadership. The need to get it “just right” was overwhelming and delayed my announcement. I found myself caught in a cycle of second-guessing, fearing that any misstep could diminish the impact I wanted to make for the women I am seeking to serve.

But perfection isn’t what drives leadership; progress does. Women are not perfect, and that should never stop us from stepping into leadership roles. In fact, no human is perfect—men included. When I finally let go of the need for perfection and embraced the importance of moving forward with a strong, impactful idea, I was able to create something meaningful. The retreat is now planned to bring together dynamic women mayors for a collective experience that’s focused on connection, growth, and restoration—not perfection.

Releasing the Fear of Mistakes

Leadership requires courage, and that includes the courage to be imperfect. When you’re the first woman, or one of few to hold a leadership role, the scrutiny is magnified. Every decision is analyzed, every misstep amplified, as though it represents a failure of all women. This pressure can be paralyzing and prevent some from taking bold, innovative actions. We need to change this narrative. Women in leadership should be afforded the same grace and resilience to learn from mistakes as their male counterparts.

Progress Over Perfection

As we move forward after National Voter Registration Day, it’s a reminder that the future of leadership—especially for women—depends on our ability to embrace progress over perfection. Leadership isn’t about flawless execution; it’s about growth, adaptability, and vision. It’s about taking risks and being willing to fail forward.

This is why we must support women in leadership roles by encouraging them to take action and trust their instincts, even when the path isn’t clear. Women leaders bring a unique perspective and lived experiences that benefit communities, businesses, and governments, but only if we allow them the space to innovate without fear of constant judgment.

Call to Action: Lead with Courage and Engage with Purpose

Here’s my challenge for you: What’s one area in your leadership journey where you’ve held back because of the fear of imperfection? Whether it’s launching a new initiative, running for office, or leading a team, commit to making progress—mistakes and all.

Let’s continue to empower women leaders who need our support. Ensure you’re registered to vote and encourage others to do the same. Voting is not just about choosing candidates; it’s about supporting leaders who understand the value of progress over perfection.

Together, we can create a leadership environment where women thrive—not because they are perfect, but because they are both purposeful and persistent.

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LinkedIn:? https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/chasity-wells-armstrong-9131b6b/