The Perils of Perfectionism: Leadership Lessons from Paris
The Liminal Space: Leadership Training and Development
We Grow Leaders
I have a confession to make. Two, if I’m honest. I love Paris and I’m a perfectionist!
As the Founder of the boutique leadership development consultancy based in Perth, Western Australia, The Liminal Space, I've been so fortunate to have spent the better part of last week visiting Paris, the City of Lights, and working with and learning from some fine leadership thought leaders.
I’ve also enjoyed the sights including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Pantheon, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees, the Place de la Concorde, the Jardin des Tuileries and a cruise down the famed river Seine. Of course, dining in the Latin Quarter and sampling (a few too many) Parisian croissants and sugar-laden treats were quintessential features of this wonderful opportunity. I recommend staying away from the scales!
What does all this have to do with leadership? Perfectionism! The French are famous for it, and I admire them when they apply this gift to art, architecture and food, but caution when it's overused and applied to the leadership of people. This was the topic of discussion this week as we deep-dived into two crucial aspects of The ELEV8 Leadership Mastery Program ?, a flagship leadership program designed and facilitated by The Liminal Space - situational leadership and forming and leading high-performing teams.
On the one hand, leaders with perfectionist tendencies are the masters of continual improvement. They’re supremely reliable and can be counted on to deliver quality, time and again. But what happens when leaders overplay this gift? Their effectiveness is diminished - they hurt team dynamics by undermining morale, engagement and decision-making, they stifle creativity and innovation and impede personal growth. I should know, during my darkest days as a leader, I’ve committed these sins.
So how can leaders with perfectionism in their DNA work to stay on the positive side of the ledger? Here’s five suggestions uncovered via my Paris experience:
1.????Use imperfection as a perfectionism countermeasure. Instead of fixating on unrealistic standards, focus on progress and continuous improvement. In part, this involves working overtime to become a Flearner - one who believes that mistakes are a natural part of life, fails and learns from the experience. Doing so has the potential to cultivate resilience and adaptability and ease the burden of perfectionism.
2.????Challenge self-critical thinking. This perfectionism trait is characterised by setting unrealistic, excessively high standards followed by self-blame when they’re not met. By challenging negative thought patterns and cultivating self-compassion, it’s possible to break free from the cycle of perfectionism and develop a healthier mindset.
3.????Set mastery goals instead of performance goals. Mastery goals focus on continuous improvement and learning, whereas performance goals prioritise external validation. By shifting the focus from performance to mastery, it is possible to reduce pressure to be perfect and enjoy the growth process.
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4.????Practice self-care by engaging with activities that promote relaxation and stress reduction, such as mindfulness, meditation or physical exercise - whatever appeals to the individual. These activities may assist the development of a healthier perspective regarding perfectionism and enhance mental health.
5.????Seek support from friends, family, a coach, mentor and/or qualified health care professionals to address perfectionistic tendencies. Doing so may lead to the acquisition of new perspectives, challenge and alter core beliefs, and/or develop effective coping strategies.
Speaking from personal experience, overcoming leadership perfectionism is not a simple as following a formula or enacting these steps - it’s (possibly) a life-long apprenticeship that requires resilience, grit, reflective capacity, mindful action, plenty of support and a kind-hearted approach to self.
Like the Parisian stone mason or pastry chef, you won’t experience overnight success, but the learning journey has the potential to create a lasting personal impact - on yourself and those you lead.
References
Sirois, F. M., Giguère, B., & Pychyl, T. A. (2021). Exploring perfectionism in procrastination: The moderating effect of self-compassion. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 40(1), 1-23.
Flett, G. L., & Hewitt, P. L. (2020). Reflections on perfectionism and health: Still unhealthy at age 30? Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 137, 110223.
Stoeber, J., & Gaudreau, P. (2022). The role of mastery goals in the perfectionism-burnout relationship: A two-wave cross-lagged study. Anxiety, Stress, & Coping, 35(3).
ACEL Australia?Mathilda Joubert?Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia (AISWA)?Chris Massey?Daniel Groenewald FACEL?Lisa Rodgers?Alan Jones?Dean Dell'Oro?Ross Barron?Peter Allen?Dr Alec O'Connell FACE, FAIM, FNAAUC?Fiona Johnston GAICD?Kalea Haran?Judith Tudball?Rebecca Clarke?Stephmarie Snyman (MAHRI)?Donella Beare?Ivan McLean?Professor Gary Martin FAIM FACE?Shani Andrews?Joel Wynn?John Finneran GAICD?Liam Stakelum? Nancy McNally Joanne Willesee Willesee?Karena Shearing?Rocky Collins?Silvio Lombardi?Meg Watson?Penny Houghton
Principal at Alkimos College
1 年Good article Shane. Number 2 and 4 are ones that resonate with me most as a ‘semi’ perfectionist! (That’s what I tell myself anyway! ??). Those pastries sure look good too ????