By Zeke Camusio
You sit at the computer trying to find the perfect graphic to match your well-crafted website article. However, you just spent three days on that that project because you were obsessed to get it “just right.” Do you realize you could have spent that valuable time networking and prospecting new clients?
Perfection in business is a mythical illusion. Even Donald Trump and Bill Gates make mistakes but they learn their lessons and move onto the next project. Trump and Gates are successful because they know where to focus their time and energy, yet they also know when to call it quits.
When you place high demands for perfection on yourself and your employees, you also add stress and negativity to the work environment. Why add unnecessary stress and wasted time to your day by trying to maintain that image of perfection?
The following tips show you to de-bunk the perfectionist myth and teach you practical skills to achieve success.
Prioritize and stick to team deadlines. When you prioritize and set realistic team deadlines, each team member has a certain amount of time to focus on their specific task. You also set up a team-driven, supportive environment where everyone is held accountable for their end of the project. By marking off each project and moving onto the next project, you’ll accomplish team goals and objectives. You’d be amazed at the productive results you’ll achieve when everyone is on the same page (and no one has time to obsess or procrastinate!)
Don’t downplay talents and achievements. Stay positive! Your biggest critic is yourself. Sometimes entrepreneurs who strive to be perfect 24, 7 don’t give themselves enough credit and dwell on what they haven’t accomplished. This mindset will only hold you back from success. Remember that everyone has different talents and gifts to bring to the table. At the end of the week, make a list of your accomplishments - don’t dwell on the mistakes.
Laugh at yourself and be flexible. Humor can help ease tense situations, especially when you become frustrated because you just botched a big report and are ready to throw your computer out the window. If you’re in a leadership role, do NOT demand super-human expectations from your team. It’s important to set an ethical, productive tone, but don’t get stuck in rigid, inflexible mode. The fastest way to decrease employee morale and hinder team results is to be Mr. or Ms. Perfectionist Boss. Remember that everyone is human and have lives outside of the workplace.
Learn from mistakes and always be honest. Honesty is always the best policy. The only way for you to grow in business is to learn from your mistakes. If you make an error, be honest with your client and keep the lines of communication open. It may be difficult to swallow your perfectionist pride, but your clients and customers will appreciate your integrity and honesty.
About The Author:
Zeke Camusio is a serial entrepreneur. His sixth endeavor, The Outsourcing Company, is an Internet marketing agency with offices in Aspen, CO and New York. Zeke writes an entrepreneurship and Internet marketing blog called Let’s Do It! Check it out here: www.TheOutsourcingCompany.com/blog.
