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How to Delegate When You’re a Perfectionist at Heart
As a senior director at a fintech company, Adrianna’s identity was deeply intertwined with the quality of her work. Although her focus on excellence had helped build a multi-million dollar business unit, she moved through her day as if it were her duty to execute every task, even if it was below her responsibility level. Adrianna came to me for coaching because she felt frustrated and resentful.
She was sick of working fifty-hour weeks, and due to a mandate from the CEO, she needed to focus on strategy first and foremost. When I asked about her approach to delegation, Adrianna — who’s a self-professed perfectionist — laughed nervously and said, “I’m a control freak. I have trouble letting go. I want to make sure the work gets done right.” She had no how to delegate as a die-hard perfectionist.
If Adrianna’s story sounds familiar, you’re far from alone.
Studies show perfectionism — or the behavior of striving for unrealistically high standards — is on the rise. While a drive to exceed expectations is admirable, perfectionism can lead to excess self-criticism, poorer quality of workplace performance, and more serious consequences like burnout and depression.
Like Adrianna, perfectionists with Type A personalities tend to be so exacting, they…
