Perfectionism could hinder women’s progress, according to a coach who works with executives at Google and Goldman Sachs. Here are three common traits that can hold workers back.

Perfectionism could hinder women's progress, according to a coach who works with executives at Google and Goldman Sachs. Here are three common traits that can hold workers back.

Unleashing Your True Potential: Overcoming Career Hurdles with a Coach

executive coaching

Have you ever wondered what sets successful leaders apart from the rest? Often, it’s their ability to navigate complex challenges and adapt to different cultural environments. To bridge the gap between potential and achievement, many leaders turn to executive coaches who help them hone their skills and fulfill their true potential. Ana Paula Assis, the chair of IBM EMEA, credits her coach for transforming her into a global leader, capable of leading employees across over 100 countries. She acknowledges that working with a coach can help identify blind spots and the essential leadership attributes needed for success in diverse cultural settings.

One such coach making a significant impact is Brooke Taylor, who primarily works with female executives from renowned companies like Goldman Sachs, Google, Salesforce, and McKinsey. With her experience of assisting more than 5,000 women transition into leadership roles, Taylor has identified three common traits that often hinder high-achieving individuals in their career advancement journey: People pleasing, perfectionism, and comparison. These detrimental tendencies don’t discriminate between genders, although they tend to be more prevalent among women.

The Pitfall of People Pleasing

Taylor has observed that many female workers fall into the trap of people pleasing. They prioritize making their bosses, colleagues, and stakeholders happy, often neglecting their own needs, growth opportunities, and standout projects. Can you relate to this scenario? If so, Taylor advises taking a step back and clearly defining what truly deserves your energy and effort. By understanding your priorities, you can evaluate requests that come your way and determine whether they align with your goals. This way, you can strike a balance between accommodating others and prioritizing your personal and professional growth.

Dodging the Comparison Trap

Albert Einstein famously noted that judging a fish by its ability to climb a tree leads to a lifetime of believing it is stupid. Taylor warns that comparison is not merely the thief of joy; it also steals your power. Constantly comparing yourself to others can be mentally exhausting and misleading, as you can never truly know someone else’s journey. Moreover, competing with others distracts you from embracing your unique selling points. Each person has their own talents and strengths. By staying in your own lane and defining your purpose, you can overcome the temptation to constantly compare yourself to others. Set goals that leverage your unique abilities and expertise, and focus on competing with yourself rather than with external benchmarks. This approach allows you to build self-esteem and cultivate personal growth.

The Perils of Perfectionism

Perfectionism can be both a blessing and a curse. While striving for excellence is admirable, there comes a point of diminishing returns. Taylor has witnessed clients who sacrifice sleep and neglect their well-being in pursuit of flawlessness in everything they do. This excessive drive for perfection often leads to burnout and exhaustion. It’s crucial to recognize that your own internal standards may be unattainably high. To address this, Taylor suggests distinguishing between areas that truly require your meticulous attention and those where a more relaxed approach would suffice. By identifying three or four key priorities that align with business objectives, you can channel your efforts effectively, minimize overwhelm, and build a personal brand within your organization.

By working with a coach like Taylor, individuals can break free from the limitations imposed by people pleasing tendencies, comparison traps, and perfectionism. These destructive habits hinder professional growth and prevent individuals from reaching their full potential. Through self-awareness and intentional action, it’s possible to overcome these hurdles and unleash your true capabilities.

Are you ready to take the leap? Embrace a growth mindset, seek guidance when needed, and embark on a journey towards fulfilling your potential. Remember, success comes from acknowledging your uniqueness, focusing on your goals, and embracing your own journey.