Tomorrow is the first time I’ll speak (officially, formally) to the entire staff at my school as their principal. I’ve been thinking and stressing a lot over the last week about how that might go. Then I picked up Rework, which was one of the books I read this summer, and found a passage I’d highlighted a few days before I was asked to be a principal:
Don’t be afraid to show your flaws. Imperfections are real and people respond to real. It’s why we like real flowers that wilt, not perfect plastic ones that never change. Don’t worry about how you’re supposed to sound and how you’re supposed to act. Show the world what you’re really like, warts and all. So talk like you really talk. Reveal things that others are unwilling to discuss. Be upfront about your shortcomings. Show the latest version of what you’re working on, even if you’re not done yet. It’s OK if it’s not perfect. You might not seem as professional, but you will seem a lot more genuine.
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perfect. they will love you. enjoy.
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Great quote. It works well with my own philosophy, but sometimes it’s difficult to make it work in a environment where perfect is the middle ground
I’m doing my first presentation as a counselor in a couple of weeks. I’ve been a little nervous about it, even though I know what I’m going to say. Good thoughts here.
Nice to see you posting more, Scott.
So glad you found this resource. I wish more education leaders would read Rework.
I think that is a wonderful passage! People like to listen to others who are genuine and show a true heart. Being yourself with anything you do or anywhere you go helps ease the nerves (for sure!) and makes it more enjoyable for the listeners. I know that my listening ears are ready and willing when I know someone is being sincere and honest about what they are saying…….and cracking a few jokes along the way helps too!
What a great passage! I think you should be yourself no matter and not afraid to take a risk every once in a while. Be honest with yourself helps you become honest with others. Discuss things that need to be talked about, even if others are unwilling to hear them.
Make your work environment your own and almost always succeed (and even you fail, think of that as half the fun of not being perfect).
I’m currently in Dr. Strange’s EDM 310. I love this quote. I hope that I can use this in the future. I get very nervous in front of a large group of people, and I’m worried it will be visible to my classroom. But now that I think about it, I related to the teachers that didn’t act like robots. So why would I try to be a robot? Well maybe not robot, but so structured and stiff. I hope that your “speech” went well. Thanks for sharing this.
Paige
Hi Mr. Elias, I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Dr. Strange’s EDM310 class. Our class blog is http://edm310.blogspot.com and my blog is http://inscorejenniferedm310.blogspot.com.
I really like this because it is so true. You want to show honesty and confidence with people. That is the type of person we all want in a leadership position and hopefully that type of honesty will trickle down to the rest. Being yourself just insures everyone knows what to expect. The unexpected is not always the good thing. Consistency should be a priority. Great post! Jennifer Inscore
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Hi, I am a student at the University of South Alabama and I am always nervous to give a presentation in my class too.Although I know exactly what I am going to say and I feel comfortable with the other students in the class, I still get butterflies when my name is called to present especially if I have to stand up and speak. I really like that passage you shared also. It’s true people will appreciate you more if they see you speaking from the heart and when you allow some of your imperfections to show. I think you will do a good job. Thanks for sharing. You can check out my class blog at: http://chastangamberliedm310.blogspot.com/
Hi, Mr. Elias!
Just like the other recent commenters, I am a student at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, and I think that this is an amazing quote that you have quoted in your blog post. It’s unfortunate that we have it drilled into us time after time during our formative years that we have to be perfect — or as close to it as possible. I love it how someone finally came up with a cogent statement explaining why it’s good to not be perfect. Great post!
Hi, this is my second and final comment as part of an assignment for Dr. Strange’s EDM310 class at the University of South Alabama. I love this post because it is so true that people like it when someone is real. Everyone has shortcomings and it shows confidence when a person admits that.
The quote that you posted is so true. There’s nothing more refreshing than authenticity and realness even though it may be imperfect. A lot of people are too concerned with putting up a polished front but don’t have much substance to back it up.