Perfectionists and Leaders: Know the Difference

There’s a big difference between a perfectionist and a leader. One draws people to a cause and the other repels them. While perfectionists may be adept at pointing out opportunities for improvement, few people will want to join them in the process of improving things. I’m sure you don’t know any perfectionistic church leaders and I know you’re not one. But just in case you ever come across one, here are a few thoughts that may be helpful.

• When you lead with handing out instructions, you don’t put yourself in a position to be instructed.
• If no one can do it as good as you then no one will be doing it but you. Perfectionism is lonely and is a lid to organizational growth.
• You know who listens to a know-it-all? No one.
• Perfectionism is the enemy of innovation.
• You can’t play it safe and follow Jesus. The very essence of following Jesus is going somewhere you’ve never been before.
• High control leads to low trust. By the way, you know control is an illusion right? The only thing you can really control is your effort and your attitude.
• If you wait for the perfect plan, you’ll never get out of the gate.
• Good enough is good enough for good leaders.
• Leaders care too much about results and progress to be paralyzed by waiting on the perfect next step (or first step).
• Perfectionism is the low road and the easy way out. Leadership requires developing others, and allowing others to do it differently than you (maybe even fail, yikes!). It’s way harder!
• Imagine if Jesus acted like a perfectionist with you. He doesn’t criticize you when you don’t do it perfectly. He really could do it better than you and He still invites you to join Him in shepherding His church.