You're managing someone. Their work is 90%. You keep sending it back. Four chapters on what perfectionism costs others — and the moment you approve something before it's perfect.
Part of
Perfectionism →
Seven months. Three moved deadlines. One more thing that needs fixing. Learn to see through the perfectionism loop to the fear underneath — and ship the thing that's already good enough.
Skills you'll build
What happens in this story4 scenarios
Your direct report sends you the deliverable. It's 90%. You send it back with notes. Again. The third time, something in their posture changes — and you realize your standards might be costing more than they're worth.
They've stopped bringing you early drafts. They wait until the last minute, submit the safe version, avoid your feedback. You created this — the culture of perfection that made them stop trying.
Someone finally says it. Your standards aren't high — they're afraid. The thing you call excellence looks a lot like control when you see it from the other side of the desk.
You approve something before it's perfect. You hit send without the third review. The work goes out. The client is happy. The world doesn't end — and something in your team exhales.
More stories in this course
View all →The Launch That Isn't Ready
Seven months. Three moved deadlines. One more thing that needs fixing. Learn to see through the perfectionism loop to the fear underneath — and ship anyway.
4 scenarios →The 47 Versions
Your drafts folder has 47 versions. None of them right. Four chapters on what happens when you finally share the imperfect version — and the feedback isn't what you feared.
4 scenarios →The Colleague Who Ships
Your colleague ships something good-but-not-perfect. The world responds well. Then they invite you to co-create — and your editing instincts have opinions.
4 scenarios →The Standard You Set
You're managing someone. Their work is 90%. You keep sending it back. Four chapters on what perfectionism costs others — and the moment you approve something before it's perfect.
Start free →4 scenarios · 80 min · No account required to try