Striving for perfectionism isn't very productive

Every boss's dream: the employee who won't settle for less than perfect.

Well, not exactly. A recent survey of more than 9,000 managers, professionals and other white-collar workers found that perfectionism actually reduces overall productivity and employee well-being.

Perfectionists, it seems, get hung up too easily on trying to be perfect, not getting the job done. They often attempt to cover up their mistakes rather than allow others to see and help correct those errors.

Perfectionists also can get stuck on insignificant details instead of what really needs attention. They often spend so much time getting one thing “just right” that nothing else gets done.

Perfectionism also sabotages morale and, ultimately, performance. We all work better when we get an occasional pat on the back, not only from our boss or co-worker, but from ourselves as well.

If “perfect” is the standard we set, however, we never receive such encouragement. Eventually, this lack of any sense of accomplishment means we actually accomplish less.

Finally, perfectionists create so much self-induced stress that they drive themselves to the brink of physical and mental breakdown — sometimes, even beyond the brink.

Sore muscles, headaches, sleeplessness, impotency, overeating, depression and anxiety all can be related to such an approach to work and life. For those of us who are parents, there is a related danger in perfectionism.

Not only can our children model their standards after ours and wind up with the same problems we have, but as they reach adolescence they can also rebel against our unrealistic expectations and intentionally underperform or fail. And no matter which response they take to our perfectionism, it certainly will undercut their sense of worth and competency.

Perfectionists usually can change their ways, but it takes work. Perfectionism is often rooted in our own issues of self-worth and in the search for meaning or fulfillment. Addressing those issues may require the assistance of a mental health professional, support group or self-help class.

It is never too late to change our ways, though, and even small changes can make a big difference in what we get done and how we feel about it.

• The Rev. Ken Potts' new book, “Mix, Don't Blend: A Guide to Dating, Engagement, and Remarriage with Children,” is available through book retailers.