Perfectionism and Workplace Inclusion
Work culture, especially in the U.S., tells us that our value is tied to how much you produce. It tells us that there’s no room for nuance or mistakes in the work we do. These expectations and standards of professionalism also set a very narrow lane of what it means to be a top performer and contributor at work. Especially for those from historically marginalized identity groups and backgrounds, perfectionism feels like the only tool we can leverage for security and belonging.
In the midst of a looming recession, socio-political tension, and waves of layoffs across the tech industry, stability and security are things we all crave. Even with those desires, we can challenge the unhealthy and unsustainable mindset that asks us to be perfect and to follow narrow standards of professionalism and productivity. Instead, we can embrace and expand what it means to be a top contributor, and what it means to be a valuable employee by embracing the art of imperfection.
Leslie and Lan Phan, CEO/Founder of Community of SEVEN, discuss how a culture of perfectionism can impact how employees experience belonging in the workplace. Start your journey of mastering the art of imperfection by standing strong on the values of vulnerability, making mistakes, and embracing your strengths and flaws to become fulfilled and successful leaders.
Innovation and agility in the workplace are often locked behind individuals enforcing or embodying these false standards of perfectionism. This program was designed as a part of an Inclusive Leadership Workshop Series. Get connected to learn how to unlock the creative potential of your teams.