Many leaders hold themselves and others to high standards. While certainly positive, taking such standards too far results in perfectionism. Because perfection is highly improbable at best, adopting it as an ongoing expectation -- especially when it's done unconsciously -- tends to damage motivation. Since most of us can't meet or even approach it, paralysis can set in -- we’ll just give up trying. Without understanding the perfection/procrastination cycle, this inaction can seem like plain old avoidance. If you or someone you are leading is procrastinating about something important, look beneath the surface for perfectionism, double check your own standards, and make any necessary adjustments.
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