Our neurochemicals don’t propel us toward perfection—they propel us toward connection. Working against this nature always produces inferior results.
“People don’t want you to be perfect. The idea of you being perfect is going to be different from person to person. What they want is to feel connected with you.”
This is true in every domain. Customers don’t want the perfect pitch—they want to feel heard. Teams don’t want the perfect leader—they want someone they can connect with. Partners don’t want perfection—they want presence.
Perfection is inherently disconnecting because it puts a polished surface between you and others. Connection requires vulnerability, imperfection, and the willingness to be seen as you actually are.
Related Concepts
- You can’t be seen if you’re not being yourself
- Being interested, not interesting
- Seeking approval pushes people away