The Dangers of Perfectionism in the Workplace

“Perfectionism is internalized oppression” Gloria Steinem

What is perfectionism?

Perfectionism is defined as a need to be perceived as perfect and set unrealistically high expectations for yourself and others. Typically, perfectionists look for outside validation and define worth by their productivity.  Perfectionists fear failure and punishment for mistakes. Perfectionism is not about healthy growth, instead people use it as a protective shield against blame, judgment and shame (Berne Brown).

Perfectionism Reinforces White Supremacy Culture

Perfectionism shows up in white supremacy culture in a myriad of ways. Some examples include: scarcity of appreciation, favoritism, criticism, talking about other people’s inadequacies instead of directly to them, and mistakes are seen as a moral failure (Tema Okun). Okun’s research finds that these white-dominant qualities are embedded into American workplace culture and creates environments that are less inclusive for BIPOC. The Human Centered Work Product found that everyone experiences negative aspects of perfectionism in the workplace; however, BIPOC employees experience it at a higher rate with more devastating outcomes. BIPOC employees that were interviewed reported that they were either not supported or trusted, or, punished for not achieving a white standard of perfectionism.

How do we let go of perfectionism?

Letting go of perfectionism has to start by addressing your own internalized beliefs about your self-worth. Most perfectionists I’ve worked with (and myself, a recovering perfectionist), have to start by addressing childhood wounds where mistakes were shamed and there was a right way and a wrong way to achieve goals. Therapy is a good place to start in uncovering and exploring those embedded wounds.

-Self compassion. The Queen of self-compassion research, Dr. Kristen Neff, found that self-compassion increases productivity and creativity. By curbing negative self-talk, we free up energy to focus on what really matters to us.

-Letting go of the comparison to others challenges the narrative that there is a perfect or ideal goal.

-Practice sitting with the strong emotions of shame and blame instead of pushing them away. When we sit with an emotion, it loses it’s potency and we are more able to take an action that aligns with our values.

-Embrace diversity in your organization and create a collaborative culture where check ins are normalized.

References:

Chicago. Brown, Brene. 2018. Dare to Lead. London, England: Vermilion.

Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-compassion. New York, NY: William Morrow.

Tatum, B., Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? NY: HarperCollins, 1997.