We’ve all seen the iconic final dance scene in Flashdance — Jennifer Beals, a powerful leap, and a breakdancing segment that’s nothing short of amazing. But what if I told you that scene, as perfect as it seemed, was made possible by a team of people — each contributing something you might not have noticed? And I’m not just talking about costume designers, directors, actors, sound techs, and the like. That one incredible solo was actually the work of four separate artists. French dancer Marine Jahan performed the more technical choreography, gymnast Sharon Shapiro was responsible for that impressive leap, and most shocking, Bronx-born b-boy Richard “Crazy Legs” Colón pulled off the breakdance moves — in a wig and tights, of course.
This blew my mind, and it got me thinking about our perceptions of perfection. We tend to look at something or someone and assume we’ve seen it all. We assume we know what’s going on behind the scenes just because we’re watching the result. But the truth is, we often don’t see the whole picture. What we perceive as perfect is often the product of many different elements blending together — some of them might even seem out of place, but that’s what makes them work.
In life, we have this idea of perfection that we cling to, but the reality is, it’s just not humanly possible. Just because we can dream something into existence doesn’t mean it has to manifest exactly as we imagine it. We buy into the illusion of perfection without understanding all the moving parts that make it happen. And we often limit ourselves — and our potential — by thinking we have to be able to do all the parts, all the time.
This concept fascinates me because it reminds me that perfection doesn’t have to come from a single, flawless source. It can come from collaboration, from the unexpected blend of different talents and perspectives. And when we’re willing to see beyond the surface and appreciate all those elements, we open ourselves to deeper insights, greater creativity, and stronger relationships.
As leaders, we should remember this: perfection is a myth. It’s okay to embrace the messy, the unexpected, and the seemingly out-of-place elements that come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Let’s stop chasing an unattainable standard and start recognizing the beauty in the process — and the people who help us get there.
Photo by Gabriel Sanchez on Unsplash
