Reflections on Perfectionism

Originally posted on Linked In October 2021

Recently, I've been reflecting about perfectionism. I, like many people, have held myself to high standards throughout my career. I remember a former boss telling me that when high standards turn the corner into perfectionism, it will become a problem. For me it was a tipping point into understanding the pitfalls of an overused strength.

I believe that perfectionism becomes a problem in these situations:

✅When it becomes an excuse for inaction --- a way to procrastinate. For example, "I can't move forward until every aspect of this project/initiative/presentation is perfect." When this happens, the focus on more important issues can be lost.

✅When the quest for perfection becomes a way to judge yourself (or others) as "not good enough". A "perfect" person is not relatable to others. A person's imperfections make them more vulnerable and likable. Also, perfectionism can be overcompensation for a lack of confidence on a particular aspect of your job. I try to keep all of these things in mind if I'm going down a perfectionistic path.

✅When perfectionism becomes a way to "control" or micro-manage others or to placate a boss (or client) who has perfectionist tendencies. This behavior is often disempowering and frustrating to employees.

I've certainly had times where I over-rotated and my high standards morphed into perfectionistic behaviors. When I see this happening, I make the following corrections:

✅Remind myself of the bigger goal that I am trying to achieve and review the standards set at the beginning of the project or initiative

✅Ask myself what "good enough" looks like --- how much does spending XX more time on the details add value to the project/initiative/presentation?

✅Then I determine the appropriate end-point and stop tinkering.

As I get older (and hopefully wiser), I am much more able to keep high standards without going overboard into perfectionism.

When has perfectionism become a problem for you? How would you advise folks starting out in a new career about perfectionism?