Perfectionism, the good, the bad and the ugly! 

Have you ever found yourself frustrated by mistakes you or your team make, even when you generally believe many tasks need to just be “good enough”? If so, the Stickler saboteur aka perfectionism, might be quietly influencing your thinking more than you realize.

I’ve never thought of myself as a perfectionist. Typically, I’m okay with ‘good enough’ and focus more on completing many tasks than perfecting one. Yet, I often find myself extremely frustrated when learning something new—whether it’s a game, sport, or software tool. Recently, I took up pickleball. Watching from the sidelines, it looked easy. But once I started playing, I kept missing easy shots, lost track of the score, and relied heavily on others to remind me whose turn it was to serve. My annoyance with my performance grew so intense that I nearly gave up.

This was the Stickler voice in my head, taking the fun out of a new experience. My constant muttering about my poor performance even cast a negative atmosphere around my fellow players.

The Stickler thrives on perfectionism and an overemphasis on order and organization. The traits are framed as virtues—punctuality, methodical approaches, and high standards. But when taken too far, these positive attributes can morph into irritability, tension, and a critical outlook—both of oneself and others. Let’s break it down a bit, shall we?

Characteristics of the Stickler 

• Punctual, methodical, and perfectionist: Sounds like a dream team manager, right?

• Highly critical of self and others: This can lead to a tense work environment.

• Works overtime to correct others’ mistakes: Often resulting in burnout and frustration.

• Sensitive to criticism: Which makes receiving feedback challenging.

Impact on the Workplace 

Sticklers in management positions can create a rigid work culture. This rigidity makes adapting to change difficult and stifles the creative contributions of team members. Anxiety and frustration often pervade both the Stickler and their colleagues, leading to resentment and, in some cases, resignation due to perceived relentless criticism.

Reflecting on Your Patterns

Consider scenarios where you demanded a project be redone because it didn’t meet your standards, leading to missed deadlines or unhappy team members. Have you noticed your team walking on eggshells, afraid to present ideas that might not meet your exact specifications?

Addressing the Stickler 

Recognizing the Stickler in your mindset is the first step toward mitigating its effects. Here’s how you can navigate its pitfalls:

1. Adopt the 80/20 rule: Not everything needs to be perfect. Focus on what’s truly important.

2. Open lines of communication: Encourage team members to share their perspectives and approaches.

3. Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities: Just like my journey with pickleball, recognize that initial hiccups are part of the learning curve.

4. Self-reflection and mindfulness: Take a moment to consider why you’re feeling frustrated. Is it the task at hand or the Stickler demanding perfection?

Moving Forward 

As a leader, you hold a pivotal role in shaping both company culture and team morale. Identifying and managing the Stickler within, can lead to a more flexible, creative, and less anxious work environment.

Ask yourself, how can you inject a bit more understanding and flexibility into your leadership style?  And what minor changes can you make to reduce the internal and external criticism tied to the need for perfection?

By addressing and taming the Stickler, you not only foster a healthier work environment but also pave the way for more innovative and resilient teams. Sometimes, the greatest leadership growth comes from first looking within and making small, guided changes that have a significant impact.

Let’s continue this journey of introspection and professional growth together. Have you recognized the Stickler in you?

Book your free 30-minute coaching call: Click HERE