“To thine own self be true.” – Polonius in Hamlet

I have no doubt that when it comes to core values and principles, Shakespeare had it right. I remember hearing Hyrum Smith defining pain as the distance between where we are and where we want to be. Certainly, stress results when there is a gap between our actions and attitudes and the principles we have adopted, sooner or later. A guilty conscience can be a silent killer.

At the very same time, we silly humans can be masters of rationalization. At its most extreme, we can want something so desperately we will convince ourselves the means justify the ends. Or decide that it must be right because it feels that way in the moment, even though down deep we know our choices will likely slap us in the face sometime in the future. We say, “That’s just the way I am” to excuse a hot-tempered response or a thoughtless act.

Can we do better? Should we try?

I’ve come to think about it as the Paradox of Human Perfection. Thinking through the lens of paradox can be a useful tool for both self-examination and leadership.

Here’s how the paradox goes: Since we are imperfect, it is unreasonable for anyone to expect better than our best at a given point in time. At the same time, imperfection means that our best can probably get at least a little better, edging the needle closer to perfection. Most people are more than happy to gleefully embrace the first part. “Hey, that’s the best I can do!” and leave it at that. Those who strive to embrace the second part are rarer.

Achievement, growth and satisfaction lie in the ability to (1) accept the whole paradox, and (2) strive to find a healthy balance between both sides of it.

YOU

Studies in emotional intelligence tell us that self-knowledge and self-regulation are learned skills. Taking an honest (brutal) self-inventory can help us to determine where our behaviors come from, and how well they match up to the person we believe we could and should be. If you find yourself excusing poor behavior with the first half of the paradox or finding you blame outside conditions, events, or other people when you are called on the carpet, it’s time to recognize you can do better. Push yourself to grab the second half of the paradox. It can be scary to hold yourself responsible, but the end result is much more rewarding.

On the other hand, the so-called “overachievers” of the world can spend inordinate energy beating themselves to death for perceived failures. They forget the first half of the paradox. If that’s your tendency, it can help to find a trusted colleague, friend or mentor to help you see things in context, remind you of your value and pull you back from the edge. You balance the paradox by allowing that you gave your best at a specific point in time and place. You will learn and do better the next time. You don’t have to thrash yourself.

YOUR PEOPLE

The paradox also comes into play when you lead others. Here is where the skill of empathy taught in studies of emotional intelligence come into play. It’s important to observe how your people deal with the paradox. If they tend to fall into the habit of glomming only the first half of the paradox, it may be time to push. Help them to see a vision of their potential and create a safe space for them to work towards it. This rules out the character attacks typical of poor leadership. Paint the picture of the future you can see for them and put them in the best position to see themselves in the picture.

Conversely, self-starters are already beating themselves up. Don’t push – they are likely fairly close to the edge of the roof already. Your job is to gently pull them back. Be the coach that reminds them of their value and appreciates their efforts. These folks tend to be your most effective team members. If you push them, they are out the door (or off the roof!).

So be true to yourself – your best self. Be true to your people – create that space for them to find and work towards their potential. Support and understanding can coexist with high standards. It takes hard work, vision, balance, and empathy to make it happen. And it’s a game changer!