High standards, attention to detail, and self-control are invaluable qualities at work. Theyre also aspects of perfectionism, something to which many high achievers credit much of their success. But Ellen Hendriksen, clinical psychologist at Boston Universitys Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, says being your own worst critic can also lead to constant dissatisfaction at work and alienation from coworkers.In a recent episode of the HBR IdeaCast, clinical psychologist Ellen Hendriksen shared insights from her book How to Be Enough: Self-Acceptance for Self-Critics and Perfectionists. The podcast explores the concept of perfectionism, its impact on our lives and work, and how to manage it in a healthier way, with Hendriksen arguing that perfectionism isnt just about striving for excellence but is rooted in the belief of never being good enough.Hendriksens advice on overcoming perfectionism offers value to architects and designers, where perfectionism can result in overworking, excessive revisions, and an inability to delegate tasks, from resolving a building design to producing drawings and reports. The tendency to conflate self-worth with professional output often leads to an all-or-nothing overvaluation mentality, Hendriksen argues, where even minor mistakes are perceived as failures. Hendriksen suggests that adopting a more balanced approach can improve productivity and well-...