Perfectionist Mindset and Burnout

Mindsets that Perpetuate Burnout, Part 2

Perfectionism plays a significant part in burnout culture.
They both can be seen as badges of honor
in a work-harder world.

It's no secret that perfectionism is respected at some level.

How often to interviewees list that as a negative quality
with the presumption that it's not really that bad
and that their employer may well see it as a positive quality instead?

After all, the perfectionist does good work
by paying attention to detail and
working long hours
without needing external motivation.
They are often internally driven to succeed.

When taking a closer look at perfection however,
the negatives outweigh the positives,
especially if the perfectionist is in a leadership position.

The perfectionist mindset has significant flaws, such as...

  • perfection is attainable by humans
  • there is only one way to do something right
  • perfection is a desirable outcome
  • perfectionism is a priority

These beliefs set the perfectionist and their team up for burnout
by creating an environment in which

nothing is ever enough.

How does this hurt a perfectionist's team?

  • poor work/life balance is modeled
  • goals are often unrealistic or unachievable
  • humanity is not valued and empathy is not given
  • micromanaging is common

Individually, any of these will contribute to burnout,
but taken together,
it is a dangerous cocktail of burnout culture.

Perfectionism is not an attribute of which to be proud.

It is detrimental to the well-being, productivity, and culture of any organization,
and will ultimately cost you your best employees.


Would you like someone to talk to about burnout in your life?
Discovery calls during the month of April are all about
listening and empathy in a no-sales and no-marketing zone!

 

1 comment