NextGen Know-How: Perfectionism can be destructive to your leadership
Here are six ways to keep yourself grounded and maintain a healthy mindset around striving for excellence.
In one of my recent workshops, an executive shared her struggle with perfectionism in leadership. She talked about the standards she places on herself and her feelings of inadequacy if she makes one mistake—mulling it over for days as the uneasiness builds.
Her story resonated with me, as someone who struggled with perfectionism earlier in my career. I used to waste a great deal of time and energy striving to create the perfect business plan, the perfect presentation or even the perfect gourmet dinner for friends. The list goes on!
So why do so many high-achieving, successful leaders beat themselves up over small, inconsequential mistakes?
Why are we striving so hard to be ‘perfect?’
The truth is, people who are challenged by perfectionism usually don’t think they’re perfect. More often, they fear what people will think if they find out how imperfect they really are.
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