Strategic Leadership: Focus, Not Perfection, Drives Success

Deep inside the landscape of business, leadership and competitiveness, there is a persistent and often unspoken pressure to be everything, everywhere, all at once. Industry titans are seen as huge and successful companies, and we often fall into the trap of believing they “have it all.,” We see them as companies with perfect strategies, flawless execution, limited resources, and no mistakes. The truth whispered behind closed doors is that success is learned through hard experience; the truth is that no industry leader (no matter how big they are) truly has it all, and knowing this is not about resignation, it´s about liberation. 

I´m not trying to force you to stop thinking. Of course, setting ambitious goals is vital. When we have a challenge in front of us, our passion is ignited, we push boundaries and inspire innovation. However, a wise leader knows how to balance ambition with realistic assessments of our capabilities and resources, balancing ambitious goals and realistic reach. Without this balance, we are facing the risk of not only frustrating ourselves, but also, overwhelming and crushing our team in the pursuit of the impossible. Understanding our limitations doesn´t make us weak, instead, it gives us strategic intelligence to face every challenge we have. 

The ocean of business success, markets, trends, and risks has it´s own complexities, and it is impossible to control all variables. Accepting our lack of complete control, finding what truly matters among everyting, taking responsibility for your sphere of influence, and taking action on what you can control, that is what makes the difference. Leadership is not about pulling all the levers, it is about strategically deciding which ones are the right ones to pull. 

We often desperately seek preparation, believing that if we just learn enough, plan enough, or practice enough, we´ll be ready for anything and everything. The reality is that all the preparation in the world won’t help us to accomplish everything (including the least important things). So, the best approach is to prepare to be better at what you are already good at, while also facing the necessary changes to address your weaknesses. But please, abandon the notion of wanting to do absolutely everything perfectly, it is exhausting and useless. 

Now, talking about your team, here are two very important questions: Do they really need to work endless hours? Are they truly focused on what´s important, or are they simply too busy doing everything (including unimportant things)? Maximizing performance can and must include improving quality of life. Sometimes we all fall into the trap of believing presence equals productivity, expecting long hours rather than meaningful progress. Maximize your team´s performance by also maximizing their quality of life. Work shouldn´t be torture, it should be a grand adventure. Allow your team to disconnect — and you must disconnect too as a leader. Technology is not an excuse to work 24/7, to have a lack of boundaries, or to sacrifice your personal life. 

If we can´t have it all, we also can´t do it all. Accepting this simple but powerful truth brings peace of mind, but more importantly, it brings focus. If we stop trying to do everything, we will stop being mediocre at everything. We can channel our energy, and our team´s energy, into what we can do incredibly well, becoming rockstars at what we do. This focus on our strengths boosts our performance as individuals and as an organization. Now, just stop and imagine the collective power we can create when everyone on your team is operating at peak performance in their genius zone! 

OK, open your eyes and stop imagining, I know you can´t wait to have everything you and your team need to achieve something great. As a leader, it is your responsibility to draw a line and decide when it´s time to dive into action. Don´t wait for the perfect moment or situation, as it will never align perfectly. Always remember that “‘done’ is better than ‘perfect,’” so simply take the necessary steps, aim for a challenging and achievable goal, and enjoy every step in the growth of your team members. It may not be meteoric, but it will surely be firm and sustainable if you look for action, not perfection. 

It's true that a lot of entrepreneurs, businesspeople, and leaders spend a large amount of time engaged in debilitating internal dialogues on “why they don´t measure up”, “why they feel so small”, “why they aren´t enough.” This constant self-critiquing is not only emotional, it is also a colossal waste of time and focus. It pulls you from solving real problems and seizing real opportunities. A true leader understands that self-worth isn't measured by perfection, but by consistent effort and impact that silences all self-doubt. 

That´s why it´s more than advisable to learn where to place your attention. You must decide what is important and what is not, and then, become obsessed with doing your absolute best in what truly matters, letting go of the rest. Obsessing over trivialities leads us nowhere, so focus your energy and creativity on the high-impact activities that move the needle for your team, your company, and your mission. 

Please, the next time you face a challenge, remember: “‘Done’ is better than ‘perfect.’” Embrace your imperfections, recognize the power of your focus, and understand that true strength lies in mastering your own impact rather than trying to control every variable. 

Stop trying to have it all. Instead, become a leader who celebrates the incredible achievement that comes from focusing on what truly matters: empowering your team and diving into action. We are human, and this approach makes us (and our teams) capable of the impossible. If you want it, your journey to incredible impact starts now.