On Being Perfect

I was reading a homework assignment from someone who listed "a constant focus on perfection" as their biggest deficiency. Never satisfied, they tended to do work that their subordinates should be doing because they wanted to make sure "it was done right." They worked long hours to ensure everything was just right. When they did make a mistake they apologized profusely and at length.

Their story rang a bell with me. In graduate school I had the misfortune of straight A's course after course after course. After awhile I became obsessed with the perfect record. Running harder and faster to keep up the perfect record. I almost made it to the end when I finally got a B. Obviously, I was disappointed to break the winning streak. But I was far more relieved to be rid of the burden. Straight A's are nice. Something to strive for. But not to a fault.

Here's my comment to the person with the issue: "No one is perfect. And being obsessive about it can result in burnout or worse. Always try to do your best. But also be realistic and human in your approach to your work. p.s., I've been very successful in my career. But you should see some of the huge blunders, errors and mistakes I've made along the way."


About me: Dan Pelley is an educator specializing in management training and development programs for supervisors and other first-line managers in Connecticut (CT), Massachusetts (MA) and Rhode Island (RI). The issue recited above came from a participant in his "Leadership Skills" program.

Copyright © 2009 Daniel W. Pelley
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