One of the worst traits an executive can have is to be a perfectionist. Those that are, lack one of the most crucial skills in today’s drastically changing environment – timely decision making. If an executive is resolute with gathering all the appropriate information, or obtaining a unanimous vote by all managers on a key decision, or the executive struggles with routine, simple processes or procedures, then the Company will have difficulty growing. One thing that is guaranteed in the business world, particularly in small businesses, is that mistakes will be made and there is absolutely nothing you could have done to prevent most of them.
Perfectionism can also being very costly. If you are worried about details, details and more details, you will be unable to compete in the ever-changing market. Pick your head up and look around. Nothing, except maybe brain surgery, needs to be one hundred percent all the time. Another offshoot to perfection is that it is very disruptive and annoying to the people around you. Most employees will ultimately look to work for a boss who does not seek perfection; which means the employee will find another company. Mistakes will be made. Learn to tolerate the minor mistakes and move on.
