Perfectionism at Work (P)
A-Z Series at Psychology@Work
Is calling someone a "perfectionist" really a compliment? People often describe themselves and others as "perfectionists," but this label doesn't always feel complimentary. In this article, I delve into the concept of perfectionism, its manifestation, triggers, and how it can both benefit and interfere with productivity at work.
What is Perfectionism?
Perfectionism is an attitude wherein a person strives for flawlessness, sets excessively high standards for performance, and tends to evaluate one's actions critically, believing that one needs to improve to constantly reach that state of perfection.
You know you are dealing with a perfectionist when they never seem satisfied and excessively demanding while holding a relatively inflexible, rigid, and all-or-nothing judgment about one's or others’ performance.
Aspects of Perfectionism
Research has found two broad dimensions of perfectionism. These dimensions represent aspects of attitude that a perfectionist may hold. Some perfectionists may be more geared towards one dimension while others towards both.
The first dimension is "Excellence-Seeking," which involves imposing unrealistically high standards on oneself and/or others. Excellence-seeking perfectionists tend to set standards of flawlessness and cannot see why they should reduce these standards for themselves or others. Such individuals find "good enough" frustrating and unambitious. On the positive side, such perfectionists tend to be highly organized and love order, seeing these traits as pathways to excellence.
The second dimension, "Failure-Avoiding," involves excessive concerns about not meeting standards and the belief that others will view them as having lower worth if they do not achieve perfection. Failure-avoiding perfectionists are driven by a need to impress others and are highly sensitive to the effect of failure on their social worth. Perfectionists high on failure avoidance tend to fuss over mistakes and may withhold performance as they doubt their actions and their anticipated consequences.
Self vs Other-Oriented Perfectionism
It is possible to be a self-oriented perfectionist such that the excellence-seeking and failure-avoiding attitudes are predominantly directed towards the self with no actual imposition on others. Self-oriented perfectionists are more relaxed and accepting towards mistakes, flaws, and imperfections in others but tend to self-criticize themselves for the same actions that they forgive for others. They believe that what others may not be able to achieve is attainable for them.
In contrast, an other-oriented perfectionist has high expectations of flawlessness and failure avoidance from others and may put undue pressure and demand on others to strive for perfection.
Detecting Perfectionism in Yourself and Others
Here are some signs indicating perfectionism:
Setting Excessively High Standards: Do you set unrealistically high standards for yourself and/or others?
Fear of Making Mistakes and Procrastination: Do you fear making mistakes and tend to procrastinate to avoid evaluative situations?
Overly Critical Self-Evaluation: Do you rebuke yourself rebuke and yourself for even minor mistakes?
All-or-nothing thinking: Do you see anything less than perfection as a total failure?
Compulsive Pursuit of Flawlessness: Are you unwilling to settle for "good enough"?
The above five tendencies (patterns in thoughts and behaviors) can be present in different magnitudes within individuals and are combined to define the perfectionist attitude.
Where does the perfectionist attitude come from?
Research has found several factors that influence the development of a perfectionist attitude. Some individuals show early signs of conscientiousness (being meticulous, having great attention to detail, and being organized) and a high need for control. Such personality traits make them highly internally focused, believing that performance and success are solely determined by one's actions. Thus, all failures can be avoided, and excellence can be achieved with effort.
More than the above-mentioned personality traits - society, parental expectations, and cultural norms play a significantly more vital role in developing perfectionism. Early in childhood, when an individual grows up around parents who have excessively high standards and are overly critical, they are likely to learn that their worth and deservingness for love are linked to flawlessness.
Such early associations between striving for perfection and receiving parental recognition can convert into an “excellence-seeking” and a "failure-avoiding" attitude.
In addition, growing up in a society and culture where there is either a) scarcity of resources and higher competition or b) heightened beliefs in meritocracy - can encourage the development of perfectionism. For example, cultures with limited opportunities for educational and professional growth tend to have parents who impose unrealistic standards on their children while selling the dream of the ideals of perfection.
Adverse Effects of Perfectionism at Work: Research Insights
Research consistently indicates the detrimental effects of perfectionism on employee well-being in the workplace.
A meta-analytic study shows a negative correlation between perfectionism and mental well-being. Expected consequences of workplace perfectionism include burnout, job dissatisfaction, depression, increased emotional exhaustion, work-family conflict, lower job satisfaction, higher levels of strain, and interference between work and family life.
Employees with perfectionistic tendencies often exert extra effort and time to meet these self-imposed standards while experiencing persistent doubts about the quality of their work.
This relentless pursuit of perfection can result in workaholism and a continuous cycle of refinement and self-criticism, creating significant demands and pressures that adversely affect well-being.
Additionally, these individuals may display a lower tolerance for ambiguity, leading to decreased job satisfaction. Overall, perfectionism significantly influences workplace attitudes, performance, and well-being.
How Perfectionists Sabotages their own Success
While perfectionism can drive high standards and excellence in the short term, it can also sabotage success in several ways:
1. Fear of Failure: A deep-seated fear of failure can prevent perfectionists from taking risks or trying new things, leading to avoidance behaviors and a reluctance to step outside their comfort zone.
2. Unrealistic Standards: Setting exceedingly high, often unachievable standards can result in constant self-criticism and a feeling of inadequacy, demotivating individuals and hindering progress.
3. Procrastination: The fear of not completing tasks perfectly can lead to procrastination, resulting in missed deadlines and reduced productivity.
4. Overworking: To meet high standards, perfectionists may overwork, leading to burnout, exhaustion, and a decline in well-being, negatively impacting long-term success.
5. Difficulty in Delegating: Believing that only they can perform tasks perfectly, perfectionists often struggle to delegate, leading to increased stress and inefficiency.
6. Lack of Adaptability: A rigid mindset focused on achieving perfection can hinder adaptability, affecting problem-solving skills and effectively navigating challenges.
7. Strained Relationships: High expectations and a critical nature can strain relationships with colleagues and team members, affecting collaboration and creating a hostile work environment.
The Art of Imperfection: A Lighthearted Guide for the Overachievers at Work
Welcome to a world where ‘good enough’ is not dirty! In the pursuit of perfection at work, it's easy to forget that, hey, we're only human. Spoiler alert: science says trying to be perfect all the time is like trying to win a gold medal in stress. Let's embark on a not-so-perfect journey towards a more balanced and happier work life.
Embrace the 'Oops' Moments
First things first, perfectionism's kryptonite is acknowledging its flaws. Striving for excellence? Absolutely! But let's swap the cape of perfection for a comfy sweater of realism and personal growth.
Goal Setting - The 'Achievable' Edition
Leaders, it's showtime! Shape a positive culture by setting goals that don't require a superhero to achieve. Think 'challenging yet doable' – it's like giving your team a fun puzzle, not one that makes them want to pull their hair out.
The Art of Smart Risk-Taking
Encourage your team to jump into the pool of innovation – floaties provided. Make it known that it's okay to belly flop sometimes. After all, some of the best ideas were born from epic fails.
Three Cheers for Progress!
Focus on the journey, not just the destination. Celebrate the small wins and the lessons learned en route. It’s like giving a high-five for effort, not just the scoreboard.
Cultivating a 'Learn-It-All' Mindset
Swap the 'know-it-all' hat for a 'learn-it-all' cap. Emphasize the power of resilience and learning from those 'oops' moments. Small victories? Party time!
Building a Support Squad
Create a workplace where everyone feels like they have a buddy. It's like having a work family that shares in the ups and downs and occasional office karaoke.
The Leader’s Self-Care Handbook
Show 'em how it's done – take breaks, indulge in hobbies, maybe even start a workplace yoga trend. Your well-being is contagious, in a good way!
Empathy: The Secret Superpower
Develop your empathy muscles. Understanding that everyone is fighting their battles helps create a workplace that's less 'The Hunger Games' and more 'The Great British Bake Of.’.
Conclusion
While pursuing excellence is commendable, it's equally important to acknowledge and accept our limitations. Embracing imperfection, focusing on continuous learning, and supporting each other can lead to more fulfilling and sustainable professional lives. Let's strive for excellence, but not at the cost of our well-being and happiness. Remember, the journey towards a balanced life is ongoing, and each step, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.