Post on 05-Dec-2014
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© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
WHY PERFECTIONISM AT WORK DOESN’T PAY
Gladeana McMahon
Perfectionism is not the healthy or effective pursuit
of Excellence
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Perfectionists tend to
• Worry obsessively• Spend more time on activities• Exhibit aggressive behaviour• Place unrealistic demands on self &
others
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Perfectionists tend to
• Micro manage (control and fear) • Procrastinate (putting off tasks or
taking more time)• Avoid situations perceived as
threatening (new tasks or change)
In essence Perfectionists tend to
• Set unrealistic standards unlikely to be attained
• Never be satisfied as can never attain the desired outcome
• Become stressed when faced with failure and disappointment
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
In essence Perfectionists tend to
• Be preoccupied with thoughts of fear of failure and disapproval
• Link mistakes with a lack of self-worth and ability
• Become defensive and emotional when faced with an error
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Impact on Organizations
• Managers can find perfectionists hard to manage
• Colleagues can find perfectionists difficult to work with
• Juniors can be at the mercy of perfectionists
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Impact on Organizations
• Lack of creativity, especially important in challenging times
• Loosing talent due to poor work-life balance
• Risk aversion can hold back much needed change
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Fairplace and Cass Business School Study 2007
• 54 managers• Talent Tracker 360 tool
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Fairplace and Cass Business School Study 2007
Current
• 1,852 respondents from 70 organisations
• 32% being senior managers and above
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Fairplace and Cass Business School Study 2007
Successful leadership qualities
• Open-minded• Courageous• Have personal impact• Empower others
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Fairplace and Cass Business School Study 2007
Successful leadership qualities
• Build strong teams• Are adaptable• Ability to admit mistakes
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
The Technical Specialist Challenge
• Leaders whose earlier rise has been based on making the right decision
• Retaining the elements needed to make good decisions
• The wisdom to know when good is enough
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Tools for Identifying Perfectionists
Hogan Development Scale (HDS)
• 11 common dysfunctional dispositions• Management Derailment• Alienating colleagues and direct reports
undermines the effectiveness
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Tools for Identifying Perfectionists
Talent Tracker 360
• Used to capture development needs• Based on the Cass Study
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Tools for Identifying Perfectionists
Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ)
• Low controlling scores = others take charge
• High controlling scores = take the lead
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Is there an Alternative?
The Healthy Achiever
• Sets high standards that stretch the individual
• Enjoys the process as well as the end product
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Is there an Alternative?
• Experiences concern about failure and disapproval but learns and moves on
• Treats mistakes as part of a life long learning process
• Sees Feedback as constructive
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013
Becoming a HealthyAchiever
• Use of psychometric tools to identify personal patterns of behaviour
• Coaching focuses on thinking style and behaviour (e.g. developing a self enhancing thinking style)
Gladeana McMahon
www.gladeanamcmahon.comwww.cognitivebehaviouralcoachingworks.com
© Gladeana McMahon, 2013