Perfect is the Enemy of Great: Embracing Change
Paul Arden’s assertion, “Too many people spend too much time trying to perfect something before they actually do it,” resonates deeply in today’s fast-paced world. The pursuit of perfection can hinder progress, especially in businesses, communities, and organizations striving for transformation. By focusing on adaptability and embracing imperfection, leaders can achieve greatness and foster sustainable growth.
Perfectionism can paralyze decision-making and stifle innovation. Organizations often measure success against rigid benchmarks, leading to an inability to adapt when circumstances change. Instead of celebrating incremental progress or unforeseen successes, they become bogged down by unmet expectations. This rigidity prevents them from recognizing the potential for greatness that lies in imperfection.
Transformational leadership—a style that emphasizes adaptability, innovation, and long-term vision—has proven effective in navigating change. Transformational leaders inspire their teams to embrace calculated risks and pivot when necessary, fostering an environment of creativity and resilience. In contrast, perfectionism often leads to groupthink, where fear of deviation from the "ideal" stifles’ innovation and adaptability.
One of the most critical skills in transformational leadership is knowing when and how to pivot. A pivot is a strategic shift that realigns an organization’s goals with market demands or emerging opportunities. Successful pivots involve reassessing customer needs, redefining value propositions, or exploring new growth channels.
A prime example is Airbnb's evolution. In 2007, founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia started by renting out air mattresses to conference attendees in San Francisco. Initially called "Air Bed and Breakfast," their business model was unsustainable outside conference contexts. Recognizing this limitation, they pivoted to a broader platform catering to travelers worldwide. This strategic shift transformed Airbnb into a $50 billion enterprise.
Similarly, many startups thrive by pivoting early and often. For instance, Instagram began as a location-based check-in app called Burbn before refocusing on photo sharing—a decision that led to its massive success. These examples highlight the importance of flexibility and the willingness to deviate from original plans.
Elon Musk exemplifies transformational leadership through his ventures like Tesla and SpaceX. Despite early challenges—including near-bankruptcy—Musk’s vision for electric vehicles and space exploration inspired his teams to persevere. He adapted strategies while maintaining his vision shows the power of great leadership.
Groupthink—the tendency for groups to prioritize consensus over critical thinking—can derail transformation efforts. It fosters resistance to change and discourages innovative ideas. Transformational leaders counteract groupthink by fostering open communication, encouraging diverse perspectives, and empowering employees to take ownership of decisions.
For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses that encouraged employee input were more successful in adapting to remote work models and shifting customer needs. By creating an environment where team members felt valued and heard, these organizations navigated uncertainty more effectively.
Communities and businesses achieve greatness when they empower visionary leaders who dare to dream big. These individuals challenge the status quo and inspire others to embrace change. However, their success depends on collective support from stakeholders willing to take risks alongside them. When communities invest in such leaders, they unlock transformative growth. Local initiatives prioritizing collaboration between businesses and residents often drive economic revitalization by fostering a sense of shared purpose.
As communities and businesses navigate an ever-changing landscape, the message is clear: don’t let perfect be the enemy of great. Achieving greatness requires embracing change, fostering innovation, and empowering teams to take calculated risks. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, organizations can unlock their full potential. Transformational leadership provides a roadmap for this journey.
Through strategic pivots, open communication, and visionary guidance, leaders can inspire their teams to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting success. As Paul Arden aptly noted, greatness lies not in waiting for perfection but in acting—and adjusting course along the way.
John Newby is a nationally recognized Publisher, Community, Chamber, Business & Alternative Media consultant & speaker. His “Building Main Street, not Wall Street” column runs in 60+ communities nationwide. As the founder of Truly-Local, he helps communities, businesses, and local media build synergies to become more vibrant. He can be reached at: John@Truly-Local.org