PERFECTION LIES IN IMPERFECTION

“Expecting perfection is a professional approach”. Many would agree with me and surely many would differ and rightly so. However, at the same time, I say that “expecting perfection is a nonprofessional approach “. Certainly you shall be perplexed that how I am giving two different statements and saying that both are right. We need to understand the meaning of “Perfection”. Ordinarily it implies flawlessness in totality. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, perfection denotes the quality of being without flaws or defects. It can describe objects, actions, or situations that are completely accurate or fulfill all desired qualities. This definition illustrates how the concept of perfection varies but generally conveys an ultimate state of flawlessness and completeness, whether in abstract forms, moral and spiritual purity, or practical accuracy. A deeper understanding will reveal that nothing is perfect which is manmade. All the Religions say that only God and his messengers are perfect and only God is a perfect creator.Oxford English Dictionary, defines "Perfection" as the state or quality of being perfect or complete, embodying the highest attainable standard or degree of excellence. This encompasses freedom from any flaw or defect and achieving an ideal state of completeness. I consider this a perfect definition “highest attainable standard or degree of excellence”.

In the backdrop of Oxford English Dictionary definition, people should be judged as per their potential to deliver. In the corporate world therefore, perfection is a relative term and relates to each employee separately. As regard to products, no product is complete or perfect. It is this thinking that pushes forward for new innovations. However, in a particular time frame, the best product is considered as perfect and complete. Policy of zero error syndrome has become redundant. Human beings by default are prone to commit mistakes. Expect them to be perfect is nothing but counterproductive idea.

?The concept of perfection should be understood as both an unattainable ideal and a highest attainable standard. Business leadership should embrace this duality by setting realistic expectations and fostering an environment that values continuous improvement and individual potential. By doing so, leaders can drive innovation and achieve excellence without falling into the trap of the zero-error syndrome. Driving and pursuing for perfection often leads to disasters. Looking for perfection amongst employees often leads Leader to be isolated. The employees since can’t attain the level of perfection therefore, they start distancing from the leader. Selfish and greedy people get around him and there the organization is doomed. A little noise is enough to make the sparrow fly from the tree. Similarly, a bad or toxic culture takes away the inspiration for the brand. Employees start looking forward to switch over to some other better organization.

Some leaders have the tendency to project themselves as Mr Perfect. It is sign of incompetence, inferiority complex and cowardice. They underestimate the power of judgement of employees. They don’t realize that, employees exactly know how perfect their leader is. Ironically on the other hand, employees don’t expect their leader to be perfect. They need him /her to be honest, considerate, empathetic, original, authentic resolute, charismatic and with a promise of giving them better life opportunities. Expecting same standard of efficiency and productivity from each employee is unrealistic and irrational. A Business Leader has to shoulder great responsibilities. They must focus on following important aspects;

Perfection as an Unrealistic Expectation;

·???????? Man Made Imperfections. In reality, no manmade object, action, or situation can achieve this ultimate state of flawlessness. This notion is supported by religious beliefs that only divine entities can be truly perfect. If man could make perfect things then growth would have been halted, no innovations and no progress.

·???????? Zero Error Syndrome. Expecting human beings to achieve perfection is counterproductive because humans are inherently prone to errors. Thus, a zero-error policy is often impractical and may hinder productivity and innovation. This leads to regrets, frustration and lack of self-satisfaction. Man needs to be appreciated.

Perfection as a Professional Standard;

·???????? Highest Attainable Standard. The Oxford English Dictionary defines perfection as achieving the highest attainable standard or degree of excellence. This interpretation suggests striving for the best possible outcome within the limits of human capability at a particular point of time.

·???????? Relative Perfection. In the corporate world, perfection is relative and context-dependent. It varies from one individual to another based on their potential, capacity to deliver and role within the organization. One may prove relatively perfect fit at a place whereas, same person may prove unfit, failure or disaster at some other place. The question is, did he /she delivered his/her best or not?

·???????? Product Excellence. No product can be universally perfect, but within a specific timeframe and context, the best available product can be considered perfect. This perspective drives continuous innovation and improvement.

Implications for Business Leadership;

·???????? Revisiting Expectations. Business leaders should reassess their expectations from teams. Rather than aiming for absolute perfection, they should focus on achieving the highest attainable standard based on individual potential.

·???????? Encouraging Innovation. Accepting that products and processes are not perfect encourages ongoing innovation and improvement. This mindset fosters a culture of continuous development rather than stagnation under unrealistic perfection standards.

·???????? Relative Evaluation. Employees should be evaluated based on their potential to deliver excellence rather than an unrealistic standard of flawlessness. This approach recognizes individual strengths and fosters a more productive and positive work environment.

Authenticity and Trust;

·???????? Authentic Leadership. Leaders who acknowledge their imperfections appear more authentic. Authenticity fosters trust, as people tend to trust those who seem real and relatable.

·???????? Building Relationships. Employees and followers are more likely to connect with and support leaders who they perceive as genuine. Admitting mistakes and showing vulnerability can strengthen these relationships.

Encouraging a Growth Mindset;

·???????? Learning Culture. Leaders who admit they are not perfect promote a culture of learning and growth. This encourages employees to adopt a growth mindset, where they see challenges as opportunities to learn rather than threats.

·???????? Innovation: When leaders are open about their flaws, it creates an environment where innovation is encouraged. Team members feel safer to experiment, take risks, and think creatively without the fear of being punished for mistakes.

Psychological Safety;

·???????? Safe Environment. Admitting imperfections can help create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns.

·???????? Open Communication. It encourages open communication and feedback, as employees see that their leaders are open to hearing about areas for improvement.

Modeling Behavior

·???????? Lead by Example. Leaders set the tone for the organization. By not projecting themselves as perfect, they model humility and continuous self-improvement, which can inspire the same attitudes in their teams.

·???????? Realistic Expectations: It sets realistic expectations for others, demonstrating that perfection is not the standard, but effort, learning, and improvement are.

Building Resilience;

·???????? Adapting to Change. Leaders who acknowledge their mistakes and learn from them are better equipped to adapt to changes and challenges. This adaptability can be crucial in fast-paced or turbulent environments.

·???????? Overcoming Setbacks. Acknowledging imperfection helps in dealing with setbacks constructively, turning them into learning experiences rather than failures.

Humanizing Leadership.

·???????? Relatability. Leaders who show their human side by admitting they are not perfect are more relatable to their teams. This can increase loyalty and morale.

·???????? Empathy. It fosters empathy, as leaders are more likely to understand and support their team members' struggles and challenges.

Strategies for Leaders to Embrace Imperfection; The notion that leaders must not project themselves as” Mr Perfect” is critical for several reasons. Let’s see, why this approach is essential. By embracing and demonstrating these practices, leaders can create a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient organizational culture.

·???????? Admit Mistakes. Openly admit when you’ve made a mistake and discuss what you’ve learned from it.

·???????? Seek Feedback. Regularly seek feedback from your team and act on it. Show that you value their input and are willing to change.

·???????? Share Personal Stories. Share stories of your own challenges and how you overcame them. This can be a powerful way to connect with your team.

·???????? Encourage Openness. Create a culture where team members feel safe to express their concerns and ideas without fear of retribution.

·???????? Continuous Learning. Emphasize the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement for everyone, including yourself.

The perspective on perfection, as presented in the two contrasting statements, highlights the nuanced nature of this concept. Exploration of perfection as both an unattainable ideal and a professional standard is thought-provoking. By emphasizing the importance of understanding perfection in a realistic and contextual manner, it provides valuable insights for business leaders and individuals striving for excellence in their endeavors.

The obligations on the part of business leadership underscores the significance of reevaluating expectations, fostering innovation, and embracing relative evaluation criteria. This approach not only acknowledges the inherent imperfections in human nature but also encourages a culture of continuous improvement and individual growth within organizations. Looking for perfection amongst employees often leads to isolation of the Leader by himself. The employees since can’t attain the level of perfection therefore, they start distancing from the leader. Resultantly, selfish and greedy people get around him and the organization is doomed. A little noise is enough to make the sparrow fly from the tree. Similarly, a bad or toxic culture takes away the inspiration for the brand and employees start looking forward to switch over to some other better organization.

?The analysis may serve as a reminder that while perfection may be an admirable goal, it is essential to temper expectations with pragmatism and flexibility, recognizing that true excellence lies in the pursuit of the highest attainable standard rather than an unattainable state of flawlessness. Looking for perfection amongst employees often leads to isolation of the Leader by himself. The employees since can’t attain the level of perfection therefore, they start distancing from the leader. Selfish and greedy people get around him and there the organization is doomed. A little noise is enough to make the sparrow fly from the tree. Similarly, a bad or toxic culture takes away the inspiration for the brand and employees start looking forward to switch over to some other better organization.

I conclude by quoting the famous quote "There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in." — Leonard Cohen.