Is perfectionism appreciated more or less compared to past times by colleagues and superiors?
Overall, our participants feel that perfectionism is appreciated in areas where it makes sense.
Rohit says that since AI-based automation in software development is maturing, we have seen greater adoption and acceptance in lines of code going into production.
Girish says that perfectionism is appreciated more in areas where quality and reliability are non-negotiable, such as in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure. Colleagues and superiors recognize that meticulous attention to detail can prevent costly errors and enhance overall deliverable quality. Where there is also a growing appreciation for flexibility and adaptability in non-critical tasks, perfectionism is less appreciated.
On similar lines, Anupreet says that a lot depends on the context here. We don’t need perfectionism at the initial stages of building enterprise software. However, as the product matures and it hits the market, we expect aspects of it (like cyber security, autoscaling and resilience) to be perfect.
Anees looks at the longer timeframe. With 2 decades in the IT industry, he says that the appreciation for perfectionism has evolved over time. In the old days, people used to think that being a perfectionist meant you were really good at your job, and everyone loved that. But nowadays, things have changed. Paying attention to details and doing quality work is important, but people are realizing that trying to be perfect all the time can actually slow things down and stop new ideas from coming through. Oddly, a little bit of imperfection makes us human. Nobody likes things to be exactly perfect and manicured. Imperfection is an inherent part of being human, and it’s what makes us unique and relatable. Anees feels that while striving for perfection is admirable, it’s essential to acknowledge that achieving perfection in all areas is often unattainable; it’s nothing but a waste of time and effort, both of which are precious for humans.
So, while perfectionism used to be a big deal, now it’s seen as just one part of doing a good job, not the whole thing. Now, bosses and co-workers care more about adapting quickly, rolling with the punches, and improving over time – that is the new reality.
Likewise, Nathan feels that the appreciation for perfectionism in the workplace today is more nuanced than in the past. While high standards and attention to detail are still valued, there is a greater emphasis on balancing these traits with efficiency, collaboration, innovation, and well-being.
He says perfectionism is most appreciated when it enhances quality without compromising speed, creativity, or team dynamics. Organizations recognizing perfectionism’s strengths and potential drawbacks can better harness its benefits while fostering a supportive and productive work environment.
Vamsi opines that perfection is less appreciated. We live in the world of millennials and digital nomads heavily oriented towards instant gratification, and it is therefore imperative that we tune ourselves to adapt to this current age.
Read more:
More Perfectionism? Less Perfectionism?
