4. Perfectionism repels people.
Leaders who suffer from perfectionism suffer from the “superhero syndrome” … thinking they need to do it all themselves because they are the only ones who really know how to get something done.
By doing this, leaders find themselves doing all kinds of tasks and roles that they shouldn’t be doing, and ironically they do them less effectively than other people who could excel at the job.
People around you see you trying to “doing it all” and not do it well, and it builds up resentment because they’d like to help, but you are rejecting their assistance … and doing the tasks poorly! Church leaders suffering from perfectionism find themselves in a very lonely leadership spot.
5. Practice persistent starting to fight perfectionism.
One of the best ways for leaders to fight perfectionism is to consistently start projects.
Deliberately “beta test” a new approach in your ministry. Figure out what the “minimal viable outcome” would be for a ministry area and try that. Cultivate a mindset that allows you to “try stuff” and see what happens. Take a risk … tell yourself it’s only for a short time.
Don’t look for it to be perfect out the box … if it doesn’t work right … start over with something else. Persistently start stuff.
6. Perfectionism rejects grace.
At its core, when I’m driven by perfectionism, I’m rejecting grace. I’m trying to convince myself that I’m perfect and that I can only accept perfection. I’m not leaving room for the fact that I do stumble and fall … that there is a gap between what I can do and what I want.
If I’m not careful, perfectionism can ultimately block out what God wants to do in my life because I remove my sense of His grace at work in me.
Whadda think? How have you seen perfectionism creep into your leadership at your church?
Need some more help with perfectionism? [Download this PDF for helpful insights and tools for dealing with it.]
