Excellence Over Perfection
There’s a real difference between striving for excellence and chasing perfectionism. One builds trust. The other builds ego. I saw this difference play out recently in a situation that left a client both stunned and exposed (Psst. My client has given me permission to share their experience).
They were eager for a new opportunity—partnership potential, new eyes on their work, visibility with senior leadership. But their desire for a quick win overrode their discipline. They assumed it would be easy. They cut corners. Did the bare minimum. Delivered data without insight. They didn’t bother to explain what it meant, why it mattered, or what action should come next. It was lazy output disguised as “done.”
They favored some accounts and ignored others. Refused to ask for help when it was clear they were in over their head.
Why? Because they were afraid that asking for help would make them look weak. That they’d lose the opportunity. But they lost it anyway. Within a week, leadership pulled back.
The worst part? They admitted they refused to take accountability. Claimed the opportunity was flawed. Blamed the market. Said leadership didn’t “get it.” But what leadership got was this: this person was a reputational risk to the project.
This wasn’t about perfectionism. Perfectionism is image-driven. It's about controlling perception, not outcomes. It’s hiding weaknesses instead of building solutions. It’s choosing to look smart instead of being smart.
Excellence is something else entirely. It’s deliberate. Grounded. It knows the difference between where to hustle and where to glide. It’s built on clarity, consistency, and delivery.
I’ve seen what excellence looks like. It’s someone who steps into opportunity with intention. Who maps the effort, asks the curious questions, admits where they need backup, and delivers work that represents the full strength of the team—not just their personal highlight reel.
A CEO once told me a story about a project they’d fought to lead solo. They wanted the spotlight, the credit, the win. But it collapsed under their weight. They told me, “If you’re going to go out on your own and not involve your teammates or resources, then you’re on your own.” That stayed with me.
So what does excellence look like in practice? Three key things:
Own the effort, not the image. You’re not here to impress. You’re here to deliver. Excellence means committing to the actual work—not just the optics. Show your process. Share your thinking. Don’t hide behind a polished spreadsheet and call it done.
Use your resources. Nobody wins alone. Excellence means understanding your limits and looping in support early. It takes more strength to ask for help than to pretend you don’t need it. Pretending will eventually catch up with you.
Stay steady. Excellence isn’t frantic. It’s consistent. It’s about managing your mind when things feel uncertain or hard. About delivering even when the spotlight is gone. Especially when the spotlight is gone.
Perfectionism is fragile. It crumbles under pressure. Excellence is resilient. It holds up even when no one’s watching. The choice between the two will define your results—and your reputation.
Ready to define your own brand of excellence? If you're tired of chasing perfection and ready to lead with clarity, consistency, and impact—let’s talk. I help individuals and teams get honest about what excellence looks like for them—so they can show up with intention, deliver with credibility, and build reputations that last.
Schedule a free call HERE and let’s build your version of excellence.