Insistence on Perfection Can Have Opposite Result, Says RHR International

Business Wire,  Feb 8, 2007  

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CHICAGO -- While striving for excellence and setting high expectations will generally lead to performance success, leadership is often impaired when outcomes less than perfect are seen as failures. Organizations with perfectionists in positions of authority can be crippled by micro-management, difficulty with decision-making, lack of delegation, procrastination, and risk avoidance. Accordingly, despite the efforts of the perfectionist to improve quality and performance, organizational productivity ultimately suffers.

RHR International Company, a world leader in executive and organizational development, presents a look at the Perils of Perfectionism in the latest edition of their publication, Executive Insights. The issue also provides a guide to helping executives recognize and modify their unproductive behaviors.

"The difference between striving and perfectionism is often a matter of scale," said Jeff Durocher, Vice President of Marketing Development for RHR International. "Setting high standards, accepting helpful criticism and viewing mistakes as opportunities for growth are positive and beneficial. Conversely, setting standards beyond reach and reason, reacting defensively to criticism and seeing mistakes as evidence of unworthiness contribute to negative thought patterns."

Whether perfectionism is identified through the use of an external consultant, internal intervention or a personal epiphany, there are 10 action steps which can be used to modify behavior to produce a higher level of productivity.

1. Increased insight

2. Inventory of work activity

3. Re-focus on strategy

4. Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound)

5. Experiment with standards for success

6. Celebrate wins

7. Confront the fear of failure

8. Learn to learn from mistakes

9. Learn to appreciate imperfection

10. Stress reduction

"Once brought to their attention by a mentor, trusted colleague or through reading materials, perfectionists can recognize themselves in this very distinct pattern of behavior," concluded Durocher. "Using these strategies, individuals can modify their disruptive behaviors to achieve more satisfying work habits, enhanced working relationships and greater innovation, productivity and agility within their organization."

RHR International Company is a world leader in executive and organizational development. For over 60 years they have been assisting senior management in the areas of executive integration, high potential development, succession planning, team building, talent management, executive coaching and board effectiveness. RHR International has offices in Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. The company is headquartered in Wood Dale, Ill. To download a complete copy of this and other editions of Executive Insights, or to explore career opportunities with RHR International, please visit our web site at www.rhrinternational.com.

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