Forget Perfect—Here’s What People Actually Want From a Leader

Have you ever had one of those moments where everything that could go wrong… does?

Last Saturday, I found myself in exactly that situation.

I was hosting a local event here on Åland Island. I’d prepared meticulously—a beautiful presentation, detailed notes, and a structured plan to guide the group through an engaging session. Everything was set. Or so I thought.

The moment I arrived at the conference room, reality hit me hard. The TV wouldn’t work. The conference Wi-Fi refused to cooperate. My meticulously crafted presentation? Useless. My notes? Inaccessible.

Now, imagine standing in front of a group of people who had traveled several hours to hear you speak. What do you do when your plans crumble right before your eyes?

For a brief moment, I felt the panic bubbling up. But then I remembered something crucial: they didn’t come for a PowerPoint presentation. They came for me, for my story, for what I had to share.

So, I took a deep breath and leaned into what I knew best: human connection.

The Power of Social Techniques

I set aside my perfect plan and started speaking from the heart. I grabbed a whiteboard to engage the visual learners in the group. I leaned on the techniques I’ve spent years developing and teaching.

Here’s what I did:

1. Spoke to the four engagement types – I made sure every personality in the room felt included, whether they were reflective thinkers, energetic doers, or something in between.

2. Sparked enthusiasm – I knew how to activate the brain chemicals—dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin—that create excitement, trust, and connection.

3. Encouraged feedback – Instead of talking at the group, I created a dialogue. They felt seen and heard.

4. Shared my narrative – Stories connect us. I opened up, weaving in lessons and experiences they could relate to.

5. Gave clear, actionable directions – Clarity builds confidence.

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The result? The room came alive. Discussions flowed. Energy soared. I could feel the team spirit building with every word, every idea, every shared moment.

The Lesson: It’s Not About Being Perfect - What People Actually Want From a Leader

If there’s one thing I hope you take away from my experience, it’s this: Engaging your team isn’t about perfection.

It’s not about the fanciest presentation or how polished your delivery is. It’s not about your title, status, or years of leadership experience.

It’s about connection. It’s about understanding how people work—what inspires them, what makes them feel seen and valued, and what keeps them engaged.

When you master the social techniques to bring people together, you can lean back into that framework, knowing you’ll create an environment where people thrive. And the best part? You don’t have to be perfect to do it.

A Moment of Relief

Standing in that room last Saturday, I could feel the relief wash over me. Not because the presentation was flawless—it was anything but—but because I could see the impact I was having.

The techniques I used that day are the same ones I teach in my coaching programs. They’re simple, actionable, and incredibly effective. And they remind us of something we sometimes forget: People don’t want perfection. They want connection - this is what people actually want from a leader.

So, the next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember this: You already have everything you need to succeed.

And if you want to learn more about the social techniques that help leaders create high-performing, engaged teams—even in the toughest situations—I’d love to share them with you.

Let’s turn those moments of panic into opportunities for connection and growth.