The Perilous Path of Perfectionism
Let’s dare to create a wholehearted workplace where employees are free to be authentic, vulnerable, and, ultimately — unstoppable.
In this age of pixel-perfect presentations and immaculate reputations, the pursuit of perfection has become the ultimate workplace goal. But what if this flawless facade impedes your progress?
Perfectionism (and its equally perilous partner, armor) are not only outdated virtues; they’re dangerous.
Buckle up as we explore the hazards of perfectionism in today’s workplace and reveal why allowing vulnerability matters more than ever.
The Siren Song of Perfectionism
Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post, expressed, “We need to accept that we won’t always make the right decisions, that we’ll screw up royally sometimes — understanding that failure is not the opposite of success, it’s part of success.”
So why is it that our workplaces still reward the pursuit of perfection? Brené Brown, a shame researcher and storyteller, explores the depths of this perfection paradox in her captivating work. Brown often highlights the harmful impact of perfectionism, which she describes as a self-destructive belief system that fuels shame, blame, and disconnection.
In today’s workplace, employees are applauded for their relentless dedication to achieving flawless results. When perfection is the ultimate goal, failure is not an option. This fosters a culture of anxiousness where employees are too afraid to take risks, innovate, or be authentic.
Ironically, it’s these very qualities (thoughtful risk-taking, innovation, and genuine authenticity) that drive success and propel organizations forward.
The Armor That Shields Us, Yet Suffocates
Armor is the defense mechanism we use to protect ourselves from vulnerability. Wearing armor like an impenetrable suit to shield ourselves from criticism, failure, and rejection in the workplace can suffocate our humanity and creativity.
Armor in the workplace might present itself as:
Being defensive when receiving feedback
Not admitting mistakes or weaknesses
Overworking and not taking breaks
Micromanaging and not delegating tasks
Avoiding conflict or difficult conversations
Many of us have been told (or have learned) that armor is a necessary tool for survival in the business world. However, it comes at a hefty price.
When we believe that perfect is the only option, we shut the door to the possibility of genuine connection, collaboration, and creativity. We suffocate the very essence of what it means to be human, to grow, and to learn from our experiences.
Brown’s research has revealed that vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change. By encouraging employees to shed their armor, we create an environment where they can truly flourish.
Common Scenarios of Perfectionism Pitfalls
1. Perfectionism in an Employee-to-Leader Relationship
Many workplaces still adhere to a traditional hierarchical structure, where employees are expected to follow the lead of their superiors without question. This mindset can encourage perfectionism, as employees may fear the consequences of not meeting their leader’s expectations. Employees may also be too scared to challenge the decisions of their leaders. This insecurity can lead to a lack of creativity and innovation, as employees may hesitate to take risks or share their ideas openly.
2. Perfectionism in a Leader-to-Employee Relationship
Some leaders still run with an outdated “command and control” management style, where they micromanage every aspect of their employees’ work and expect flawless results. This approach can create a toxic work environment, where employees feel undervalued or powerless. It can also lead to high turnover rates, as employees will eventually seek new opportunities that allow them more freedom and autonomy.
3. Perfectionism in an Employee-to-Employee Relationship
In many workplaces, competition overshadows collaboration. Encouraging perfectionism cuts off teamwork and trust. Employees are driven to outdo their colleagues to prove their worth, creating a cutthroat work environment, where teamwork and trust are eroded, and employees feel isolated and unsupported. It can also hinder productivity, as employees may be more focused on “winning” than on achieving the best possible outcome for the team.
4. Perfectionism in an Employee-to-Client Relationship
In some industries, perfectionism is seen as a necessary component of providing top-quality service to clients. This mindset can lead to employees feeling immense pressure to deliver flawless results at all times, even when it means sacrificing their personal well-being or work-life balance. This can lead to burnout and high levels of stress, as employees might never truly relax or take a break. It can also strain client relationships, as employees may feel like they can never fully meet their client’s expectations.
The Courage to Be Imperfect
Embracing imperfections in a world that demands perfection requires courage. Fostering a workplace culture that rewards authenticity and vulnerability over perfectionism can lead to astonishing results. Employees who feel safe to express themselves are more likely to collaborate meaningfully, take risks, and innovate.
So how can we cultivate this courage to embrace imperfection in our organizations? It starts at the top, with leaders who model vulnerability, admit their shortcomings, and share the wisdom that comes from failure.
Dare to Create a Wholehearted Workplace
Creating a wholehearted workplace may seem like a daunting task, but it is possible. Here are a few practical ways to begin this transformation:
Foster a culture of open and honest communication: Make it clear that it’s okay for people to ask for help or admit when they don’t know something. This creates an environment where employees feel supported and valued.
Celebrate failures and lessons learned: Recognize and reward employees for taking risks and trying new things, even when the outcome isn’t perfect. By celebrating the process of learning from failure, you create a safe space for innovation and growth.
Encourage vulnerability and authenticity: Demonstrate vulnerability in your actions and communication. Create space for your employees to share their struggles, embrace imperfections, and readily support them when they need help.
Provide opportunities for personal and professional growth: Offer resources and training options (internal, external, or both) to help your employees gain or develop the skills they need to thrive in their roles.
Dear Skeptics and Naysayers
To those who scoff at the idea, take a step back and consider that the workplace is not just a sterile environment for exchanging labor and resources. It is a place for making human connections, where emotions, relationships, and personal growth intertwine with productivity and success.
The Power of a Wholehearted Workplace
The landscape of work is always changing, and we are all navigating this uncharted territory together. Isn't it time to abandon the outdated notions of perfectionism in the workplace and collectively shed the armor that has hindered us from flourishing?
Let’s work harder to encourage wholehearted workplaces where employees can express themselves authentically, embrace vulnerability, and become unstoppable.