I was nearly 40 before I realised that I was a perfectionist.Because I was never the kind of perfectionist who spends hours tweaking and rewriting and going over an email before they send it. Honestly, I'm more likely to send an email with a typo than do that...
But I AM a perfectionist. Here's how I know:
I avoid doing things if I don't think I can do them well - whether that's giving up on playing the piano as a kid, or not applying for the COO job because I was afraid I wouldn't get it.
I feel obligated to do a good job. Compelled even. And it took burning myself out to realise that sometimes you have to accept OK, instead of great.
Something being done poorly irritates me. I get annoyed by inefficiencies, particularly when I think "I could've done that better!" or "They should have done it the way I would have done it!"
Realising that those behaviours were signs of perfectionism has meant that I have been able to let them go. It freed me up to try and fail more easily. And to delegate with no guilt and far less stress. And it made me a MUCH easier manager to work for.
I'm curious - how many people who follow me are perfectionists, if you use those indicators to define it.
Give me a "Hi!" and let's get some real connection going on this platform because I'd love to know I'm not the only one late to the party.
leadership
Leadership coaching
Perfectionism
