In Student Recruitment aim for a 4.5, not a 5.0 How perfectionism is killing action-taking

Stop Trying to Be Perfect in Student Recruitment—Aim for a 4.5, Not a 5.0

Have you ever caught yourself obsessing over getting every detail right, always striving for a flawless outcome? Whether it’s preparing for a presentation or drafting the perfect email to a prospective family, the pursuit of perfection can often do more harm than good. Here’s the truth: in student recruitment, admissions, or any role where relationships matter, being perfect isn’t the goal. What really resonates is being authentic, reliable, and, dare I say it, just a little bit human.

The Perils of Perfectionism

Let’s be real—perfectionism feels like a badge of honour, doesn’t it? It’s easy to believe that if you get everything right, dot every “i” and cross every “t,” you’ll somehow impress your way to success. But the reality is, perfectionism can create distance, slow you down, and even make you appear less trustworthy.

Aiming for a 5.0 'score' - even if imaginary - even if imposed only by your own mind - can keep you stuck in analysis paralysis, constantly refining your approach while losing out on real opportunities to connect.

Think about it: when was the last time you trusted someone who seemed to have it all together *all the time*? Chances are, you felt they were a bit too polished, too scripted.

Being perfect can actually undermine your credibility because it doesn’t leave room for vulnerability or genuine connection. 

The Pratfall Effect: Why Showing Imperfection Boosts Credibility

Ever heard of the Pratfall Effect? It’s a psychological principle that shows people actually find you more likeable and trustworthy when you show a small, harmless flaw or imperfection. When you’re a bit more “real” and a bit less perfect, people connect with you more easily. Dr. Robert Cialdini, author of 'Influence', explains that admitting a minor weakness can humanise you and make your strengths stand out even more.

For example, brands like Guinness have turned what might be seen as a weakness into a strength—like how their beer pours slower than others. Instead of hiding it, they embraced it with the slogan: “Good things come to those who wait.” Similarly, in student recruitment, showing that you don’t have all the answers or admitting a small error can make you more relatable and trustworthy.

The 4.5 Mindset: Aim for Progress, Not Perfection

Instead of striving for a 5.0—absolute perfection—think about aiming for a 4.5. What does that mean? It means being excellent but allowing for a bit of flexibility, human error, and openness to feedback. A 4.5 doesn’t mean you’re settling for mediocrity; it means you’re delivering quality without sacrificing momentum or authenticity.

When you focus on getting it “just right” instead of “perfect,” you’re more likely to take risks, try new approaches, and learn from the results. And that’s where the real growth happens—both for you and for the families or agents you work with. 

The Benefits of Letting Go of Perfection

In admissions and student recruitment, aiming for perfection can often lead to burnout, over-preparation, and certainly - missed opportunities. If you’re too focused on crafting the perfect presentation, you may overlook the importance of engaging spontaneously with the audience. If you’re drafting an email until it’s flawless, you might be missing the chance to send it when it’s most relevant. If you're stopping yourself from making a call to follow-up, you are losing the chance to connect with that family.

What truly matters is that you’re showing up as someone families and agents can trust to guide them. Perfectionism isn’t just about doing things right—it’s about being afraid to do them wrong. And that fear can hold you back from having meaningful conversations, building stronger relationships, and enrolling more students.

Right, then, so what can we do about it? I've got you..

Five Ways to Let Go of Perfectionism and Aim for a 4.5

1. Flip the Script: Use phrases to show you aren't sure, but give you the chance to clarify or mirror back to them what they were asking with questions like, “I might be completely off here, but…” or “This is just my take, so feel free to disagree…” This helps to position your advice as thoughtful guidance rather than a final verdict. Also, it gives them a chance to clarify if you've misunderstood.
2. Embrace the Power of ‘Good Enough’: Sometimes ‘good enough’ is better than ‘perfect.’ Focus on delivering value rather than getting lost in the details.
3. Reflect on Feedback, Don’t Obsess: Take constructive feedback in your stride and apply it to improve. Don’t let it drive you into an endless cycle of refinement. Learn from all the questions you didn't know the answer to, it'll improve you.
4. Ask for Input: Don’t wait until something is ‘perfect’ to share it. Share drafts or ideas early and get feedback to improve along the way. This invites collaboration and keeps you from stagnating.
5. Remember the Pratfall Effect: Admitting you don’t know something or acknowledging a small flaw can make you more relatable and trustworthy. Be okay with showing a little vulnerability. Nobody trusts a seemingly perfect person anyway!  

When you stop aiming for that elusive 5.0 and settle into a solid 4.5, you’ll find that you connect more easily, build stronger relationships, and ultimately, achieve more than you ever could by chasing perfection.

And if you’d like to talk with Nicola about increasing your admissions, book a chat with her at this link or just send a DM. https://calendly.com/nicolalutz/chat-with-nicola-lutz-blog