“Perfectionism” sounds like a positive trait to have at first glance. But is it purely positive? Or is there a downside to being a perfectionist? As we discussed in a previous post, some experts affirm the notion that there are positive aspects of being a perfectionist, but they point to some negative aspects as well.
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In this post, we’ll look at some specific findings behind that conclusion. Specifically, we’ll discuss what the Harvard Business Review (HBR) calls two distinct subdimensions of perfectionism: excellence-seeking perfectionism and failure-avoiding perfectionism.
Excellence-Seeking Perfectionism
HBR says that excellence-seeking perfectionism involves tendencies to fixate on, and demand, excessively high standards. “Excellence-seeking perfectionists not only stringently evaluate their own performance but also hold high performance expectations for other people in their lives.”
When is “good enough,” actually good enough? For some perfectionists, never, as they strive for perfection—a goal that may be exceedingly unrealistic, for themselves and for others.
Failure-Avoiding Perfectionism
On the other side of the coin of those who obsessively strive for perfection, is failure-avoiding perfectionism, which “involves an obsessive concern with and aversion to failing to reach high performance standards,” says HBR. These are people who are convinced that, whatever they do, it’s not quite right. They’re individuals who worry about losing the respect of others if they fail in some way.
According to the results of the research conducted by HBR authors, perfectionists’ tendencies can be focused in just one, or both, of the above subdimensions. Their specific focus produces slightly different outcomes.
As one might predict, the beneficial effects of perfectionism are stronger for those who lean more toward the excellence-seeking brand of perfectionism, and the detrimental effects are stronger in those who lean toward the failure-avoiding brand.
There can always be too much of a good thing. That appears to be true for perfectionism. Too much perfectionism can have negative impacts. But that doesn’t mean employees should avoid striving for perfection or that employers should discourage that type of attitude. Again, all things in moderation.