Training Journal: Perfectionism over a promotion? The obsession with perfection is harming leadership development

Perfectionism is one of the biggest barriers to leadership growth.

Many professionals believe that if they just work harder, refine more, and eliminate every possible flaw, they will be ready for leadership. But leadership is not about being perfect. It is about being bold enough to step forward despite imperfection.

The risks of perfectionism in leadership:
✅ It stops you from taking opportunities before you feel "ready"
✅ It slows decision-making and reduces confidence
✅ It leads to burnout and overwork, not impact and effectiveness
✅ It makes you focus on small details instead of long-term strategy

Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on progress. Leadership is about learning, iterating, and stepping up before you feel 100% ready. The best leaders are those who take action, make mistakes, learn quickly, and keep moving forward.

I explored this topic in my latest article for Training Journal.

🔗 Read more here.

If perfectionism has ever held you back, what helped you break through? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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