Perfectionism in the Workplace: a Help or a Hindrance?

07/06/11

“Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” Salvador Dali

“Done is better than perfect.” Scott Allen

Perfectionism can bring out the best and the worst in people. On the one hand, a perfectionist will set higher goals, work harder and achieve impressive results. But on the other hand, that same perfectionist will become immobilized by too-lofty goals, frustrate easily and make excuses to avoid disappointing others.

So how do you put some parameters around perfectionism so it doesn’t spin out of control? It’s all a matter of achieving a healthy balance, where you accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative. Here are some tips for bringing those qualities in balance:

If you’re the perfectionist …

• Understand that your reputation in the workplace hinges on your output, not on whether or not you avoid minor imperfections. The greatest report ever written is of little use if it’s submitted two days late. Similarly, giving your boss a summary of five competitors is a poor use of time if he only requested three.
• Fear of not doing something perfectly may lead you to pass up key assignments. Don’t shortchange your career advancement with this type of attitude. Instead, take on new challenges, knowing that you can break any assignment into manageable steps and get the help you need along the way.
• When you’re part of a team, let others step up to the plate and don’t fall into the trap of becoming a micromanager. It’s not your responsibility to pick up the slack every time you think someone else is giving less than 100 percent. (And chances are, that’s just your perception. You’re a perfectionist, after all!)
• Recognize that your impossible expectations can strain office relationships and make you appear picky, aloof or anxious. Focus on doing everything with confidence and enthusiasm (rather than flawless execution), and your coworkers will enjoy and appreciate you more.

If you manage a perfectionist …

• Be aware that perfectionists often run out of time and steam trying to complete tasks “just so.” Set priorities with key projects and ask the employee to give you periodic status updates. If the employee seems mired or frustrated, find out why and coach him or her through the impasse.
• On the flip side, realize that even if perfectionists deliver great, timely work, they may burn out trying to keep up the pace. Keep an eye out for the perfectionist who works long hours, takes work home or pulls all-nighters. While you might appreciate the employee’s commitment, the individual may become exhausted or resentful.
• Perfectionists often take suggestions, much less criticism, personally. This can make performance management a bit more challenging. Always lead these types of discussions with praise (“I am so pleased with how you’re handling the XYZ project …”), followed by your concerns  ( … but if I can offer some guidance on how to partner more effectively with IT …”)
• Inject a little humor into the workplace and in your relationships with perfectionists. Perfectionists can become overly serious in their quest for absolute best. As a manager, you can help lighten the mood with funny anecdotes when you’re one on one, games and team-building exercises in meetings, and a general attitude that “mistakes happen – let’s learn from them!”