The Hidden Impact of Perfectionism in Leadership: Why Concerns Matter More Than Strivings

In business, perfectionism is often seen as a strength — a sign of ambition, high standards, and commitment. But my research into perfectionism tells a different story. When we look closely, not all forms of perfectionism are the same, and one in particular can quietly undermine leaders’ wellbeing and performance.

Perfectionistic Strivings vs. Perfectionistic Concerns

Psychological research typically breaks perfectionism into two parts:

• Perfectionistic Strivings (PS): The drive to set and pursue extremely high standards.

• Perfectionistic Concerns (PC): The fear of making mistakes, excessive self-criticism, and constant worry about being judged.

On the surface, strivings can look impressive in a business setting — ambitious goals, attention to detail, and commitment to results. But when strivings are combined with concerns, the picture changes. Leaders become trapped in cycles of stress, overthinking, and doubt.

Why Perfectionistic Concerns Are Problematic in Leadership

Perfectionistic concerns (PC) are strongly linked to:⚠️ Burnout: Persistent worry drains energy and resilience.⚠️ Poor decision-making: Fear of mistakes slows action and creates indecision.⚠️ Reduced creativity: Innovation suffers when leaders avoid risks to prevent failure.⚠️ Strained relationships: Constant self-criticism often extends to colleagues, creating tension within teams.

For executives, where decisions carry weight and visibility is high, these patterns can quietly erode both personal wellbeing and organizational performance.

Translating Research Into Business Practice

In my work at Resilient Mind Coaching, I help leaders and professionals address perfectionistic concerns head-on. The goal is not to lower standards, but to reduce the self-defeating patterns that come with them.

This involves:🔍 Awareness – Identifying when high standards are being overshadowed by fear and self-criticism.🧠 Mindset development – Shifting from “I must not fail” to “I can learn and adapt.”💡 Resilience training – Using tools from sport psychology to regulate emotions, recover quickly, and stay composed under pressure.🌱 Sustainable leadership practices – Building habits that safeguard wellbeing while still driving performance.

The Takeaway for Executive Wellbeing

Perfectionistic concerns don’t just impact individuals — they ripple through entire organizations. Leaders who operate from a place of fear and self-criticism are more likely to experience burnout, turnover, and strained team cultures.

By recognising and addressing perfectionistic concerns, executives can protect their wellbeing, lead with clarity, and build more resilient businesses.

Final Thought

Perfectionism in leadership isn’t simply about high standards — it’s about the mindset behind them. My research shows that when concerns dominate, wellbeing suffers. By tackling perfectionistic concerns directly, leaders can safeguard both their health and their organization’s future.