While cleaning out a file drawer, I found an assessment from
when I worked full-time. Unlike a typical performance evaluation, this was a “360”
where you get feedback from colleagues at different levels—your boss, peers, people
you manage or mentor.
At first, I didn’t want to look at it because I remember
being disappointed in the results.
I looked at it anyway. To my surprise, my performance was rated
in “excellent shape.”
So why had “excellent shape” disappointed me?
In a few areas, one or two people disagreed with the
majority—16 people said I was a very good or excellent listener, encouraging
and sensitive to others’ needs, fair and consistent.
Two said I was not.
Because Excellent isn’t Perfect,
my over-active perfectionist gene zeroed-in on the negative feedback and the
positive got blotted out.
Does that ever happen to you?
Like many things in life, perfectionism in moderation can be beneficial. It helps me to set
high standards, reach for goals, and be true to my values.
What’s not beneficial is perfectionism
on steroids that obsesses about the expectations of others and fixates on failings
and mistakes. I've worked on modulating hyper-active perfectionism most of my adult life.
It helps me to refocus on Progress not Perfection. Today, I know I’m making progress and growing, because
I look at that old “360” and instead of the negative it's the positive that stands out.
So what do you think, is Progress not Perfection what hope
and growth are all about?
