A perfectionist on your team can be both a gift and a drain. They raise standards by default, yet can stall progress by obsessing over minor details. The leadership challenge isn’t to change them, but to channel them. Perfectionists care about quality, which is valuable, but leadership is about balancing excellence with momentum. Finished and effective usually beats flawless but late. The task is to direct their high standards towards impact, not delay.
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Match role to temperament. Give them focused work with clear outcomes, not sprawling projects or roles that demand constant compromise.
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Build self-awareness, not resentment. Help them recognise when high standards lead to impact, and when they simply slow progress or strain relationships.
- Feed back with care and clarity. Perfectionists can take critique personally. Don’t avoid it. Agree on how they prefer to receive feedback so it lands as support, not attack.
The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please contact us.
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