1 Author: [email protected] | Contact information: http://BhavinGandhi.com
How to effectively deal with your Perfectionist Boss? by Bhavin Gandhi
Have you ever worked under a Perfectionist Manager? By perfectionist, I mean to say … Type-A personality. I
am sure, if you have ever worked for a perfectionist boss, then one thing is for sure…..you must have noticed that
they hold everyone to the higher standards, and they never get satisfied, no matter how much hard work you put
in. Though this perception of Type-A personality boss is true, there are some ways through which you can make
them happy. And hence, like my last blog post, I am going to provide you with some pointers through which you
can make it easier to work with your perfection obsessed boss.
Respect their decisions: Actually, Type-A personality bosses are often right when they say their ideas are
better. They are usually experienced and very knowledgeable on the topic (that's my general observation). But
when people are not allowed to give feedback, to try things their way, or to make mistakes, they can’t develop
their potential. Therefore, even though Type-A bosses are good trainers, they don’t allow their employees the
freedom to develop to the point where they can take over for the boss. And hence, you should take their criticism
well and expect to learn from them. Have an open mind, when you present your ideas to them. Expect multiple
revisions to your proposals by your boss. In this way, you can benefit from your manager's experience while
doing things your way.
Uncover all the assumptions: Perfectionist managers don’t ask for feedback from others because they don’t
feel they need it; they already know what’s best (according to their perception of themselves). They tend to
express their opinions freely on how things should be done, and what others are doing wrong, even when their
advice may not be wanted. Thus, you should always ask questions to see what information the boss has
assumed that you already know, and then determine whether the boss already has a “correct” solution in mind.
While finding more information, use these questions that will appeal to your boss’s self-confidence and provide
you more information... “We need your help.” “You’ve had a lot of experience in this, what do you think?” Let
them feel in control, but get all the information that you need.
Earn their respect: It is very difficult for a perfectionist manager to delegate responsibilities. They want
employees to do the work in a way that they themselves would do that work. Thus, it is critical to earn their
respect in order to get your work done right. To earn their respect for your work, you should always respect Type-
A personality traits. Try to be at work on time each day (consistently). Finish your projects on time. If you can’t
finish your work on time, then involve your manager in the decision making process from the time when you
encounter a big issue. In this way, your manager can be informed about the complexities of the issues that you
2 Author: [email protected] | Contact information: http://BhavinGandhi.com
might be encountering, and maybe, lower his/her expectations. Another thing you might want to do is to make
your work look neat, well supported, and accurate. Review each stage of an assigned project face to face with
the boss, so that his/her confidence level in your work increases over time.
I hope, this blog helps you in dealing with your perfectionist boss. Have you ever worked for a Perfectionist Boss
before? If so, how did you deal with that situation? What other ideas can you give to my readers?
I will be waiting for your interactive comments. Thanks. – Bhavin Gandhi.
Bhavin Gandhi | July 16, 2013 at 6:04 PM | Tags: Communicate effectively, Leadership, Learn from your Boss's
management style, Manage expectations, Manage your Boss, Management,Management Style, Perfectionist boss, Personal
Development, Type-A personality boss, Work with Type-A person | Categories: 21st Century, Leadership, Management |
URL:http://wp.me/p103Cm-ai
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