One of the easiest ways to increase productivity is to let go of perfection.
That doesn’t mean to say you should reduce your standards — quite the opposite. You should always strive for excellence and encourage your team to do the same.
Expecting excellence from your team is a great standard to set. Perfection is not.
When you are chasing perfection, chances are you are making others miserable. How do they do every single thing flawlessly, just as you want it? They can’t, certainly not easily and in a time-efficient manner. Chances are it will take a great deal of micro management and over-the-shoulder leadership.
Perfection in everything is very difficult to obtain. It usually creates procrastination, indecision, reduced morale and eventually, a reduction in productivity. Staff turnover is going to be higher as people move on to brighter, more positive pastures.
An important role of a leader is to empower others. Can you do that while being a perfectionist? Can you delegate well and give your team ownership of their tasks? No.
If you are after a high-performing, engaged team, then you have to get out of their way and let them do what you have asked them to do. Let their strengths shine; give them an opportunity to show you what they are capable of. Empower them!
Excellence, on the other hand, is worth striving for. Like leadership, it begins with the self. As a leader you should be inspiring your team to give their best. If they see you at your best, they will follow your example. Acknowledging their efforts and appreciating the value of lessons learned when mistakes are made rather than negatively supporting them as they find their way will encourage them to show initiative and go the extra mile. Embracing their individual expression of excellent will do enormous good for your team and for your business.
When you expect excellence rather than demand perfection, you gain the ability to delegate and give your staff the space they need to work to their own highest standards. This freedom will not only benefit the growth and development of your team but also, as a leader, give you more time to focus on the strategic direction of your business.
It’s a perfect situation!
