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Team work and perfectionism

3 replies

CarpetLady · 15/10/2023 00:32

I work in a team of technical specialists with complementary skills. I’m struggling with perfectionism. Can anyone advise?

Example- this week I needed to create a presentation on our research and send it to my team for comments and amendments before a meeting next week. I did this and one of my colleagues came back with a couple of minor comments which she expressed politely and professionally. I’ll incorporate and the presentation will be stronger as a result.

This is literally how it’s supposed to work. So why have I spent all weekend beating myself up over the fact that the presentation wasn’t unimprovable? The whole point of our team structure is that we all bring in complementary skills so of course my colleagues will have things to add. I’ve been thinking about it a lot and think it’s a kind of perfectionism- I feel that either my work is perfect or it is shit, and so by suggesting it isn’t perfect my colleague has suggested it’s shit. (In my logical mind I know this isn’t true.)

Just wondering if anyone had experienced similar and how you got over it. I love a business book so any reading recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
Daffidale · 15/10/2023 11:45

I found CBT hugely helpful for anxiety (which this kind of perfectionism is). It’s transformed my performance at work. I accessed free online CBT through the NHS. You can refer yourself. You can find your local service here https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-nhs-talking-therapies-service

For books, the Anxiety Toolkit by Dr Alice Boyes is good. There are dedicated chapters on paralysing perfectionism and fear of criticism and feedback

Find an NHS talking therapies services - NHS

https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-an-nhs-talking-therapies-service

CarpetLady · 15/10/2023 19:06

Thanks so much. I hadn’t thought of it as anxiety but that makes sense. I’ve ordered a copy of that book 💐

OP posts:
Daffidale · 15/10/2023 20:00

@CarpetLady I was the same. I thought I was stressed or depressed. Did the CBT assessment and quickly realised it was all anxiety

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