One of my senior colleagues was a file-hoarding perfectionist, minutely checking every line before approving. His room looked like a paper factory explosion! He also believed everyone was out to stab him in the back, so he trusted no one. When the boss caught him delaying, he would pull a "Chatur from Three Idiots" -- "I didn't do it!" -- triggering a blame game that turned the office into a daily soap opera of chaos and comedy! Often, I was on the receiving end of that blame game! Trying to be perfect in an imperfect world is like ironing your pyjamas -- hard work that nobody notices, and it's a waste of time!

In Bangladesh's corporate environment, the pursuit of high standards is often celebrated as a key to professional success. However, the relentless quest for perfection can sometimes become counterproductive, creating challenges for both individuals and organisations.

High standards often breed perfectionism, leading to overthinking, delays, and poor adaptability. In Bangladesh's fast-evolving industries, this can impede timely responses to changing demands. For example, the obsession with flawless quality in export sectors often sacrifices agility, resulting in missed opportunities and failure to meet market expectations effectively.

Research shows how expectations of high standards can impact workplace wellbeing. Momentum Leaders found that 86 percent of employees feel perfectionist expectations affect their work, with 68 percent linking it to burnout. A Psychological Bulletin study shows self-oriented perfectionism increased by 10 percent and socially prescribed perfectionism by 33 percent (1989-2016), emphasising the growing need to address its effects in organisations. The hierarchical nature of many Bangladeshi workplaces aggravates the problem. Leaders with perfectionist tendencies may impose unrealistic expectations on their teams, leaving employees feeling overwhelmed or undervalued.

This can stifle innovation and discourage the sharing of creative ideas, as individuals fear criticism or failure. Over time, this dynamic may lead to burnout, reduced morale, and decreased productivity within organisations.

Anne Sugar and Karen Walker, in their recent HBR article, recommended that to navigate these challenges, it is crucial to balance high standards with practical and flexible approaches. One way to achieve this is by prioritising progress over perfection, allowing quicker and more effective decision-making. This mindset shift can be particularly beneficial in fast-paced industries, where adaptability is key to staying competitive.

Promoting open communication within organisations is essential for creating a positive and productive work environment. Employees should feel secure in sharing their ideas and concerns without fear of criticism. A transparent feedback system and supportive culture can foster trust and collaboration, particularly in Bangladesh, where teamwork is deeply valued.

Celebrating effort and incremental progress, rather than solely focusing on outcomes, is another impactful approach. Acknowledging team members' contributions, even if results are imperfect, boosts morale and reduces the pressures of perfectionism. This enables employees to take calculated risks, explore new ideas and learn from experiences, and eventually drive organizational success.

Investing in employee training and development is also critical. Providing resources and opportunities for skill enhancement can help individuals meet high standards without unnecessary stress. Leadership development programs, for instance, can equip managers with tools to set realistic expectations, delegate responsibilities, and support their teams more effectively.

Striving for high standards will always remain essential in the corporate landscape, or any workplace for that matter. However, an overemphasis on perfectionism can limit growth and innovation. Organisations can foster an environment where employees and businesses thrive by adopting a balanced approach that values progress, collaboration and continuous learning. In this way, high standards can be transformed from a source of stress into a catalyst for sustainable success.

The moral of the story is clear: perfectionism is not just about doing things right -- it is about delaying progress, triggering blame games and initiating trust issues. Who needs the kind of efficiency that comes with a daily dose of suspense, finger-pointing, and distrust?

The author is president of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh and founder of BuildCon Consultancies Ltd