Don’t Expect Perfection — At First

Don’t Expect Perfection — At First
Don’t Expect Perfection — At First

Whatever our vocation, we all learn by doing. It is fine to have head knowledge of the process, and skills that we can use to carry out the task. But in the end it will be the time on task that propels our knowledge.

Everyone learns by doing. It takes time and practice to achieve specific goals.

Ken Blanchard, The Heart of a Leader

You see what this means. There will be failures. There will be mistakes that we must overcome.

Good leaders are very aware of these facts. They give those they are mentoring room — room to make mistakes, room to grow.

And while we will eventually expect perfection, from ourselves and others, in the beginning it is important to give grace.

Nothing has to be exactly right the first time.

Otherwise we kill the effort.

Don’t expect instant perfection. Though self-criticism is healthy, it should not be destructive. It’s unfair to be hard on yourself the first time you attempt something new.

It is also unfair to expect others to meet such an unrealistic expectation. Keep in mind that it’s unnecessary to do everything exactly right the first time.

Ken Blanchard, The Heart of a Leader