Ever had a perfectionist boss?

Perfectionism is no longer a badge of honour. And perfectionist bosses or leaders could be causing problems for their team, contibuting to a 'toxic' workplace or culture.

If you've had a perfectionist boss (most of us can recall a situation or role where nothing was ever 'good enough' for the leader or boss) you'll also remember that things like celebrating the wins, taking risks and trying new things weren't on the agenda.

Going for what's safe and familiar is preferred for the perfectionist, because even when the team does try something new nothing is ever good enough. People tell me about how they don't see themselves working ‘with’ their perfectionist boss but rather as a servant, minion or lackey working ‘for’ them, responding to their requests, changes, standards and expectations.

I’m all for continuous improvement. That’s a different thing. My memory of a perfectionist boss was how they didn't feel too good about their skills or capabilities. It flowed on to the whole team. We felt beaten before we’d started a project. Talk about low morale!

Many workplaces feel 'toxic' and perfectionism sure is an unhelpful game to be going for.

Go for 'good enough' instead.

Have you had a perfectionist boss?

‘ish: The Problem with our Pursuit for Perfection and the Life-Changing Practice of Good Enough’

It’s natural to want to do well at work, study, in life, to do our best. But what happens when striving for the best becomes something more; the pursuit of perfection?

Perfectionism is on the rise and has dire consequences for how we think and feel about ourselves and others, how we think, live, and work. It's been seen to cause over-working, burnout, sleeplessness and mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

We can’t keep going like this! But what’s the alternative if it’s not perfect?

I've been researching, thinking and writing about how we can work in clever ways that tackle our problem with perfect. In my new book ‘ish: The Problem with our Pursuit for Perfection and the Life-Changing Practice of Good Enough’ I explain:

>The problem with pursuing perfect and why we seek it

>The mental loop that traps you into thinking perfection is the answer

>The role of increments, imperfection and iterations in getting things done

>The idea of ‘ish’, which means somewhat or near enough.

Excellence, quality and continuous improvement are important but the pursuit of perfection, not so much. How does perfectionism stop you from getting things done?

Love to hear.