Hello, diligent leader.
I see you.
You’re great at dotting the i’s, crossing the t’s, and polishing your message until it gleams.
It’s why you’ve come this far, you’ve built your whole career on this strength, and it has paid dividends in achieving results to a high standard.
But at some point, that same polish can start causing blockers to your growth, especially if you aspire to transition to more senior roles.
The phrase ‘what got you here won’t get you there’ is relevant here.
So let’s have a closer look at what’s going on.
In Hogan Development Survey speak, you’ve got serious Diligence. Which means attention to detail, high standards and strong delivery. What’s not to love?
But under stress (or boredom), that superpower has the potential to go rogue.
This may sound familiar: endless edits, self‑censorship, and padding every message with the details “just in case.”
That’s when your own strength starts slowing you down.
Here’s an important thing to note: polishing is good, however perfectionism is not.
Next‑level leadership requires clear, bold, confidence‑infused communication.
Your audience (boss, clients, stakeholders, team) doesn’t need every fact, they just need the signal.
One client of mine once skipped a board update because he was still editing slides. We flipped the rule: launch at 70% ready. The board said yes. His slides and comms got better over time, and so did his visibility.
I know how hard it is to change patterns that have served you for so long. Keep this strength, it will still serve you well and you don’t need to be someone else to grow.
You can however adopt strategies to bridge the gap:
- Speak when you’re 70% ready.
You don’t need the full answer, you need a strong point of view. Others can help shape it. Boldness is respected at senior levels.
- Replace prep with structure.
Instead of writing the “perfect” message, rely on frameworks. Think: 3-point summaries, executive briefs, or simple metaphors.
- Streamline for a signal.
Your audience doesn’t want every detail. Give them the headline and why it matters. Let them ask if they want more.
- Use metaphors instead of data and detail. .
Data is helpful, but stories move people. A well-placed metaphor makes your message stick.
- Set time limits.
Give yourself 10 minutes to write an email, 1 hour for a deck. Avoid the temptation to “overpaint the picture.”
- Practice ‘good enough’ communication.
It may feel uncomfortable at first, like speaking without a net. But the results will show in increased visibility, impact, and team autonomy.
Your Diligence is a killer trait, don’t lose it!
Just repackage it.
Let clarity win over endless polish.
Try a little mess now and again and watch how much more gets done.
If you’d like help in adopting these (and many other) strategies, get in touch about my strategic influence coaching programme. You can contact me hello@helenpackham.com or book a call here
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