The Problem with Perfection
We all strive to become better versions of ourselves. A better partner, a better citizen, and a better employee. Striving to improve, is much different and should not be confused with perfectionism.
Attaining perfection in western society relies heavily on the constructs of white culture and white supremacy. Now, this might seem out of bounds to some people. But if you approach this topic with an open mind, as we all should with any conversation, you can apply this insight to your organization and daily life. By dismantling a perfectionist culture in your workplace, you’re doing a favour to everyone, particularly your racialized and marginalized employees.
What is Perfectionism?
Perfectionism refers to individuals who strive to attain perfection in every avenue of their lives. This desire for perfection is often rooted in fear of experiencing shame and disappointment.
For the perfectionist, this means setting extremely high expectations leading to severe anxiety and stress. The feeling of never being good enough creates symptoms of depression and self-doubt as well.
Perfectionists also fear being outcasted for a mistake and others judging them for these mistakes. As you can see, perfectionism does more harm than good.
Other traits of a perfectionist include:
Procrastination due to fear of failure and making mistakes.
Defensiveness
Becoming solely focused on the result rather than the journey.
Being high critical of oneself leading to imposter syndrome
How Does Perfectionism Relate to White Supremacy?
So now there’s the obvious question: how does perfectionism have anything to do with white supremacy? To answer this we have to propose another question. Who and what sets the standard for perfection in the workplace, at home, and within our society?
Just look at perfectionism in an organizational setting within Western society. One must have their hair neatly tied back (completely neglects Black hair texture and the need for cultural wear), one must speak in an Americanized way (slang is seen as inappropriate, accents are not welcomed), just to name a few.
In fact, in a paper written by Tema Okun and Kenneth Jones they listed perfectionism as one of the fifteen characteristics of white supremacy. Besides perfectionism, defensiveness, quantity over quality, individualism and either-or thinking are other values of white supremacy.
What these values express, what perfectionism in Western society perpetuates is that there's only one correct way for society to function - and that's exclusively by white standards.
The characteristics stated above do not welcome new ideas or practices by BIPOC. Instead, it dismisses, shames, and undermines other minorities and their culture. And this is the glaring issue with perfectionism.
How Does this Affect Racialized Individuals?
Perfectionism implicitly and explicitly damages racialized communities in more ways than one. Right off the bat, perfectionism within any setting already insinuates that other minority cultures are inferior.
For example, if we relate it to perfectionism in a workspace, the notion that everyone must speak in an westernized way undermines the skills of those with a foreign accent. Alternatively, Black people have to sacrifice their self-expression through their hair to meet the standards of perfectionism and professionalism in the workplace. This can easily cause someone to become critical of themself.
When these standards of perfection are purely set out by white supremacy, this makes it harder even impossible for racialized people to reach those same standards. It’s not because people of colour are inferior (which is what white supremacy wants racialize people to think). It's because they don't have the resources, the support, and the similar cultural background to meet those standards.
Here are a few examples of ways perfectionism harms:
1. Severe penalty for making mistakes
Perfectionism places severe pressure on everyone, but especially people of colour. Racialized people often feel like they need to go the extra mile at whatever they do to avoid being criticized and shamed. As such this pressure can lead to high levels of anxiety and stress.
This makes it very hard for people who may have language barriers or might not fully understand the entanglement of perfectionism and white supremacy.
2. Lack of perspective and change
Since the ideas of perfectionism are seen as objective, it makes it hard to welcome any other perspective from racialized people. Perfectionism frowns upon mistakes and failures. As such, there's a lack of conversation and accountability.
But to support and stand in solidarity, people need to be willing to acknowledge their mistakes and analyze any form of internalized racism. To achieve the liberation of all minorities, we need to realize our imperfections and lend an ear to those who are racialized or marginalized when they speak about their struggles.
3. Sends the message that you are not good enough
With such mounting pressure from perfectionism, many racialized people may experience imposter syndrome. This feeling of not being good enough, that they can always be better leads to low self-confidence.
4. Harms Mental health
The impact of perfectionism on the mental health of Black People raises an alarming concern. In a research study performed on Black middle school children, students who were exposed to societal perfectionism in grade 8 ended up having depressive symptoms in grade 9.
According to the study, it's because Black people already endure high levels of racial discrimination. This coupled with the white standards of perfectionism drill the idea that Black people can never achieve greater.
These children experienced depression because they knew that no matter what they did, they would never meet the societal standards of perfection.
5. Fuels model minority myth
Perfectionism also fuels the model minority myth (also created by white people). The notion that Asians always achieve the perfect grades and maintain the perfect attitude speaks to a small portion of the Asian community. This places a lot of pressure on other Asians to meet the same expectation which impairs their mental health.
How to Get Rid of Perfectionism
To dismantle perfectionism we must realize that an objective and societal ‘perfect’ does not exist. Instead, we need to embrace our flaws and mistakes - this is how you humanize others.
As an organization, here are ways you can remove perfectionism in your workplace for the betterment of your employees.
1. Provide positive encouragement
In a corporate space, feedback and criticism tend to be given and valued. While feedback is important, expressing appreciation for your employees is as important as well. This ensures everyone feels valued for their hard work.
2. Stop avoiding mistakes
Making mistakes fosters the best opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of instilling fear from making a mistake, this is a chance for employees to embrace the journey rather than the result. When you foster an environment that allows mistakes to happen, people are more willing to open up about their flaws or areas where they need improvements.
3. Ask for suggestions and feedback on all levels
Feedback is a two-way street. Ask your employees what can be improved on an executive level, what can be implemented or taken out to ensure that learning happens throughout the organization.
Instead, when we embrace mistakes, when we dispose of rigid white cultural standards, and when we welcome alternative ways of thinking, those who are marginalized and frankly everyone else can flourish. And in the end, what we foster is a society and culture rooted in compassion, love and above all, empathy.
When we stop expecting people to be perfect, we accept them for you they are, not who we are expecting them to be.
— Colleen James, Founder & Principle Consultant at Divonify
The blog is curated by Colleen James, Principal and Founder of Divonify Incorporated. Colleen’s work is centered around the dismantling of oppressive systems by working with organizational leaders to address issues of systemic racism, equity, diversity and inclusion. If you enjoyed this blog, please share with others you feel would gain value from it.