In a world where perfection is often prized above all, stepping away from this relentless pursuit can feel daunting.
As professionals, we frequently don a suit of polished excellence, striving to meet the myriad expectations placed upon us. But what if I told you that imperfection could be your greatest asset?
This idea is at the heart of my recent conversation with Louise Gibson, a beacon of imperfect leadership and the founder of With Verve. Her deeply personal journey has inspired many to rethink what it means to lead genuinely and effectively in today’s world.
A former corporate executive navigating the demands of a high-stakes career and family life, Louise faced a life-altering moment that made her reconsider everything. Imagine receiving a call that your child is in the ER, while you’re on the other side of the country.
For Louise, this moment was a catalyst for redefining her own approach to leadership—showing her that striving to be everything to everyone was untenable. She realised that her pursuit of perfection was more of a hindrance than a help. She now helps purpose-led leaders embrace their imperfections and lead with truth, connection and authenticity.
Through our conversation, Louise unearths three transformative ideas that serve as a guide to embracing imperfect leadership: Truth, Things, and Tribe.
Truth: Stories We Tell Ourselves
Often, stories are how we make sense of our lives and our roles as leaders. Louise emphasises that being honest about our own imperfections can foster a connection, building trust and engagement among teams. By sharing our genuine selves, we encourage others to do the same, creating an environment ripe for innovation and problem-solving.
Things: Embracing Our Perfectly Imperfect Selves
To be effective leaders, it’s crucial to ground ourselves in what allows us to thrive personally. For Louise, this involved a commitment to daily meditation—a practice that brought clarity and calmness to her life. Whether it’s exercise, time outdoors, or simply being with family, recognising and nurturing what makes us our best selves is fundamental.
Tribe: Who We Surround Ourselves With
Leadership can be isolating, but deliberately choosing who we surround ourselves with can alleviate this. Louise’s notion of the tribe is about selecting people who support, challenge, and hold us accountable. Whether in business or personal life, a strong, supportive network is vital to moving forward and succeeding.
I invite you to consider where in your life you could benefit from embracing your own imperfections. What would it look like for you to pause, reflect and engage with your most authentic self? Imperfect leadership may just be the key to unlocking the potential within yourself and those around you.
I hope Louise’s story and insights provoke you to adopt a mindset where imperfection is not a flaw but a powerful tool for connection and progress. Let’s celebrate our unique journeys, and continue pushing against the tide of societal perfection.
If you’d like further inspiration, Louise’s “Fess Up Friday” on LinkedIn is a terrific place to start. Embrace who you are, warts and all, to lead the way forward!
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Connect with Louise:
Website: https://withverve.com.au/about/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/with-verve/
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