Why it is OK not to be perfect at
work
Introduction
What is your greatest weakness? > asked a lot
Interviewees answer with an ambiguous (= dubbelzinnig) negative to signal their flaws are virtues
Perfectionism > popular answer
BUT perfectionism is increasingly out of step with the ways products are developed,
employees are treated and work forces are organised.
Body
Why is perfectionism out of favour?
1 PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Concept: minimum viable product (mpv)
= prototypes that can be refined (or scrapped) on the basis of feedback
Essence = anti-perfectionism
> perfectionism = waste of time, the market will refine it for you over a period of time
2 GROWING EMPHASIS ON EMPLOYEES’ WELL-BEING
The trait (= characteristic) is on the rise
The tyranny of excessively high expectations is not good for you
Perfectionism = associated with a string of mental-health disorders
3 WHAT KIND OF PERFECTIONIST?
Self-oriented = people put pressure on themselves to perform
Other-oriented = people hold their colleagues to the highest of standards
Socially prescribed = people think that they will only make progress if they meet the impossible
expectations of those around them
> more prone to stress and is a predictor of a burnout
4 THEY MAY HURT TEAM COHESIVENESS
Perfectionists are regarded as being less socially skilled and less likeable
BUT more competent
Working more and more in small groups > more important you like each other.
Conclusion
Managers who are perfectionists are still not as bad as people without standards
Discouraging perfectionism does not mean sacrificing high standards
Striving for excellence is better than seeking perfection
work
Introduction
What is your greatest weakness? > asked a lot
Interviewees answer with an ambiguous (= dubbelzinnig) negative to signal their flaws are virtues
Perfectionism > popular answer
BUT perfectionism is increasingly out of step with the ways products are developed,
employees are treated and work forces are organised.
Body
Why is perfectionism out of favour?
1 PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Concept: minimum viable product (mpv)
= prototypes that can be refined (or scrapped) on the basis of feedback
Essence = anti-perfectionism
> perfectionism = waste of time, the market will refine it for you over a period of time
2 GROWING EMPHASIS ON EMPLOYEES’ WELL-BEING
The trait (= characteristic) is on the rise
The tyranny of excessively high expectations is not good for you
Perfectionism = associated with a string of mental-health disorders
3 WHAT KIND OF PERFECTIONIST?
Self-oriented = people put pressure on themselves to perform
Other-oriented = people hold their colleagues to the highest of standards
Socially prescribed = people think that they will only make progress if they meet the impossible
expectations of those around them
> more prone to stress and is a predictor of a burnout
4 THEY MAY HURT TEAM COHESIVENESS
Perfectionists are regarded as being less socially skilled and less likeable
BUT more competent
Working more and more in small groups > more important you like each other.
Conclusion
Managers who are perfectionists are still not as bad as people without standards
Discouraging perfectionism does not mean sacrificing high standards
Striving for excellence is better than seeking perfection
