Cut the Myth of Perfection, Discover the Power of Real
What if chasing the “perfect” executive is the wrong goal? This is a guide to finding authentic, aligned leaders who bring clarity and impact.
by Brandon Calhoun
I’m often asked a direct question:
“What does the perfect candidate look like?”
On the surface, it makes sense. At the executive level, you’re not just hiring another leader, you’re hiring a critical solution. The stakes feel enormous, so the pressure to find an ideal mix of traits is high. Yet sometimes, the push for a flawless candidate can hold us back from what we truly need.
We envision someone who is decisive yet receptive to feedback, strategic yet hands-on, innovative yet pragmatic. A top-level performer who never cracks under pressure.
Is Perfection the Real Goal?
Because true leadership is rarely about a neat, idealized package. It’s about authenticity, alignment, and sustainable impact, qualities that show up in the day-to-day reality of how a leader handles both known challenges and unforeseen obstacles.
Leadership Is Nuanced
Leadership can’t be measured purely through checklists or boiled down to a single interview. Instead, it emerges in how people respond to complexity and adapt under changing conditions. The right candidate often excels not because they’re flawless on paper but because they navigate real-world issues with clarity, resilience, and a steady sense of purpose.
They might not have a perfectly polished résumé or an impeccable script of answers. Yet if you take the time to uncover their potential, you might find something far more valuable:
- Clarity in complexity: They see patterns and solutions where others see chaos.
- Steadiness in progress: They deliver results in a calm, consistent way, even when tensions run high.
- Vision grounded in your reality: They understand your organization’s culture and future goals, rather than chasing an impossible ideal.
Where to Begin?
In the world of executive search, it’s tempting to start with an elimination game—crossing off names until only a “perfect” candidate remains. But this approach often overlooks genuine alignment. Instead, begin with these guiding steps:
- Define the End in Mind
- Internal Source: Reflect on your core values, cultural nuances, and personal expectations for this leader.
- External Source: Consult board members, key stakeholders, and even market data to understand the broader demands and opportunities ahead.
- Identify the Essentials
- Big Picture: What overarching vision does your organization need this leader to fulfill?
- Details: Which skills, mindset traits, or leadership styles are non-negotiable in tackling immediate challenges?
- Embrace a Balanced Process
- Options: Allow flexibility in your search for candidates from varied backgrounds and industries.
- Procedures: Employ a structured interview framework that evaluates not just past achievements but alignment with the future you’re building.
- Seek Both Fit and Purpose
- Aligned to Values: Does this candidate’s philosophy match your organization’s guiding principles?
- Task Completion: Can they tangibly deliver on the goals you’ve set, short-term and long-term?
Away from Frustration, Toward Authentic Impact
Ask yourself what truly matters if you don’t find the right leader. Maybe projects stall, morale dips, or revenue stagnates. Now envision the upside of a well-aligned executive who brings clarity and progress. That person can unify teams, elevate performance, and position your organization to thrive in changing markets.
Finding the Right Fit
It’s tempting to chase a flawless résumé, but sometimes those illusions of perfection can mask deeper misalignments. Real leadership shows up in day-to-day integrity, adaptability, and results that support both your current needs and your forward trajectory.
When the fit is genuine, the search ends because the person isn’t just a name on a list—they’re the one who resonates with your goals and energizes your team with the confidence to act.
Leadership is about alignment, clarity, and real-world impact. If you’re open to rethinking your approach—stepping away from the myth of perfection and toward an authentic match—let’s have a conversation.
Or feel free to message me directly at brandon@authentiic.net.
I’d love to learn your perspective.
Authentically,
Brandon
