Working for a perfectionist can be taxing, especially a perfectionistic manager who imposes unrealistic standards of perfection on others. The temptation to rebel may be strong, but it goads perfectionists into reacting. Of course, submission is not the answer. Instead, I recommend an effective strategy for better results.
The best approach is to demonstrate your commitment to excellence by telling your boss that you, too, value quality and integrity—a strategy that will enhance your relationship. You see, perfectionistic leaders value unity, knowing it’s key to attaining excellence. They want to be understood and have their core values appreciated.
So while you may disagree on specific methods, work toward conveying your opinions and finding workable compromises, as Beatrice Chestnut, PhD, advises in The 9 Types of Leadership: Mastering the Art of People in the 21st Century Workplace (Post Hill Press, 2017).
How? When this topic comes up with my coaching clients, I share the following tips.
5 Tips When You Work for a Perfectionistic Manager
- Emphasize common goals so your boss values your partnership enough to address disagreements willingly.
- Discuss differences in rational, calm and respectful ways.
- Help your boss see alternative paths to goals; outline pros and cons to discover why your manager prefers one approach to another. Be willing to critique your own ideas, as well. Detail-oriented managers value input when they’re guided to objective conclusions.
- Work methodically; perfectionists, who think clearly and definitively, are more likely to be on your wavelength.
- Find ways to express appreciation for your boss’s willingness to solve problems and make decisions jointly.
Be accountable and willing to apologize for mistakes or delays, which builds trust and prevents judgmental responses.
Perfectionistic managers appreciate positive, but honest, feedback when their teams are attentively pursuing their goals. You can support your boss’s coveted processes and procedures while offering additional ideas. Hypervigilance and micromanagement are best countered with consistent and positive behavior.
When perfectionistic managers accept alternate strategies, their grip on black-and-white thinking may loosen. They may come to realize that success doesn’t require perfection or a breakneck work pace. As they learn that processes benefit from some give-and-take, their leadership style may evolve.
What do you think? What steps do you take to enhance your relationship with your perfectionistic manager? I’d love to hear from you. You can call me at 561-582-6060, let’s talk. And as always, I can be reached here or on LinkedIn.
