Perfectly Predictable
I can’t wait to dig into Adam Grant’s new book Hidden Potential.
He recently appeared on the Armchair Expert podcast for a highly engaging discussion that has enough content of its own to keep me reflecting for days. Definitely worth listening to on your next drive, walk, or workout.
A key insight for me was his understanding of how perfectionism is rooted in predictability.
It makes sense; perfectionists are remarkable adept at getting everything right in contexts where they know what is required. But, as noted on the podcast, that is often limited to things that are familiar and comes at the cost of encouraging creativity and innovative problem solving. The need to be perfect is in tension with taking even necessary risks.
I spoke with a leader recently who is trying to encourage some direct reports on her team to break some rules that no longer serve a useful purpose so they can rebuild systems and processes that work now. It’s difficult. The team are excellent at following the rules that have been established, but they don’t question whether those same rules are actually getting the way of higher priorities. It’s a form of perfectionism.
In my Healthy Organizations training sessions we talk about Efficient organizations who excel in Execution, but lose track of Strategy and Culture. They are really good at doing what they do, but don’t consider why it matters or how it affects people. This too easily leads to being industrious, but cold and transactional. No passion, no fun, and all too familiar to those who’ve spent years in a boring cubicle office job or on an austere assembly line.
None of this is to say that we should abandon doing things right. There are important matters (financial and legal for example) where following the rules is non-negotiable. And having some people on the team who are drawn to the routine and details of compliance serves us well. But be wary if that becomes the default setting for your organization.
We need to overcome this type of perfectionism with intentional injections of energy and inspiration. Reminding people of our highest aspirations, engaging them in problem solving activities that don’t have a right answer, and encouraging human level connections can all help. It’s also valuable to ensure that the areas where perfection is required are recognized and celebrated.
I encouraged the leader I’m working with to bring the team together for a session where they review all their tasks and processes, exploring what is currently effective and how work is shared among them. Then they work to rebuild both systems and roles in ways that make sense for the future. It will be a stretching experience for those who are comfortably efficient with the status quo, but this group activity is one way to engage the team with deeper understanding and more strategic thinking.
They might even have some fun with it…
I expect a lot more practical insights from Hidden Potential in the weeks ahead.
Contact me if I can be helpful to you and/or your organization.
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