
Today’s Morning Buzz is by Greg LeBlanc, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Snowmass Village, CO. Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.
- What I’m watching: “What We Do in the Shadows”
- A hobby I enjoy: Photography
- My favorite bird: Stellar’s jay
“Perfection is the enemy of progress” is an expression popularized by the Enlightenment thinker, Voltaire, that suggests striving for perfection can often hinder the implementation of valuable improvements. As local government leaders, the challenges we face in making decisions, guiding teams, and implementing policies are complex and multifaceted. Yet, one of the most critical aspects of leadership often goes unrecognized: The value of embracing imperfection, maintaining consistency, and setting realistic expectations.
People frequently confuse progress with perfection. They focus so much on the small details that they lose sight of the bigger picture. Instead of evaluating whether their efforts are advancing them toward their goal, they get caught up in the minutiae. Foregoing perfectionism encourages people to accept what is good enough and contributes to progress, while conversely, chasing perfection can lead to missed opportunities and procrastination. Left unchecked, a pursuit of perfection can lead to loneliness, burnout, and dissatisfaction with work, even when the work is already good. By focusing on three key areas, local government leaders can foster an environment that encourages growth, creativity, and long-term success.
Embrace Imperfection and the Learning Process
In the world of local government, the pressure to make the “right” decision is immense. Whether it’s rolling out a new policy, designing community programs, or managing public services, the fear of making a mistake can often lead to inaction. However, it is essential to recognize that, particularly in the early stages of a new initiative, perfection is neither attainable nor necessary.
In fact, it is through imperfection and the learning process that true progress is made. By creating a culture that encourages risk-taking and experimentation, leaders empower their teams to learn and adapt. Mistakes should not be viewed as failures but rather as steppingstones toward improvement.
As you introduce new programs or policies, allow room for trial and error. Encourage your staff to test ideas, and view setbacks as opportunities for feedback and iteration. Create mechanisms that allow for continual learning, whether through regular reflection sessions or after-action reviews. This approach leads to continuous improvement and innovation.
Consistency is Key to Long-Term Success
In a fast-paced government environment, it is easy to get caught up in the desire for quick wins. But real, sustainable progress comes from consistent effort, even in the face of doubt. Like any initiative, the results are often not immediately apparent. However, consistent, deliberate action is what ultimately leads to long-term success.
Local government leaders can help their teams avoid discouragement by reminding them that the value of their work will often not be evident right away. Success is not always defined by immediate outcomes but by the cumulative impact of steady, ongoing work.
Foster an environment where small wins and incremental progress are celebrated. Encourage staff to focus on the long-term impact of their work and ensure that there is consistent follow-through on initiatives. Reinforce the idea that progress is often measured in gradual steps, and that sustainable change requires a persistent, patient effort.
Set Realistic Expectations and Avoid Perfectionism
One of the biggest barriers to effective leadership is unrealistic expectations. Whether it is the expectation of flawless execution or the pressure to meet every need perfectly, perfectionism can create unnecessary stress and hinder innovation. In local government, where resources are often limited and public needs are vast, it is especially critical to manage expectations and focus on achievable goals.
Rather than trying to deliver a perfect solution, leaders ought to prioritize practical, actionable outcomes that address immediate needs while leaving room for adaptation as circumstances evolve. Setting realistic expectations allows teams to stay focused and motivated, even when faced with challenges or imperfect results.
Set clear, realistic goals for your team that prioritize progress over perfection. Encourage staff to focus on delivering value, even if that means accepting temporary solutions or iterating as they go. By reframing success to mean steady improvement rather than flawless execution, you can reduce the pressure that often leads to burnout or disengagement.
Leading with Purpose and Resilience
As local government leaders, our roles are not just to make decisions but to create a culture that empowers teams to innovate, learn, and persist. By embracing imperfection, focusing on consistent effort, and managing expectations, we can guide our organizations through the inevitable challenges that come with public service. These principles do not just apply to individual projects or initiatives, they shape the overall approach to leadership.
When leaders model these behaviors, they build resilient teams capable of tackling complex issues with creativity and confidence. By integrating these principles into local government leadership, we can foster environments where growth and progress are not only possible but inevitable. In a world that is constantly changing, the ability to remain consistent, realistic, and open to learning is what will allow local governments to evolve and thrive for years to come.