Don’t chase Perfection in Leadership
Prioritizes purpose, clarity, and courage.
The Big Idea
We’ve been sold a version of leadership that’s polished, unshakable, and always certain. But in the real world—especially in the nonprofit sector—leadership doesn’t look like perfection. It looks like presence, accountability, and humanity.
The leaders who make the greatest impact aren’t always the loudest in the room. They’re the ones who model self-awareness, own their mistakes, and build cultures where people feel safe to take risks.
This edition gives you a tool to reflect on your leadership this week, a real-life example of courageous communication, and a renewed call to lead from values—not optics.
The best nonprofit leaders I know don’t always have the best resumes. They’re not always the most polished or popular. But they are consistent, grounded, and human.
In a sector obsessed with optics, it’s easy to confuse confidence with clarity, charisma with courage. But sustainable leadership is rooted in:
Self-awareness
Transparent communication
A willingness to adapt without losing your core
It’s less about having all the answers and more about being honest about the ones you don’t.
Quick Win
Try the “Three Check” Leadership Reflection.
This week, ask yourself:
What’s one place I’m avoiding transparency?
What’s one team member I haven’t truly listened to?
What’s one place I’ve let perfection get in the way of progress?
Pick one of those answers—and act on it this week.
Inspirational Spotlight
A CEO I worked with once opened an all-staff meeting by naming a mistake before anyone could bring it up.
She said: "I missed the mark. Here’s what I learned. Here’s what I’m doing to fix it."
That moment didn’t cost her credibility. It deepened it. Her team didn’t need perfection—they needed her honesty.
Closing Thought
We don’t need more leaders who perform strength. We need more who model courage. Leadership that lasts starts with leading from your values—not your vanity.
We don’t need more leaders who perform certainty. We need more who model courage, adaptability, and grace.
If you’re leading with heart, keep going. Even if it’s quiet. Even if it’s messy. Because that’s what real leadership looks like.
That’s the kind of leadership our sector, our teams, and our communities deserve.