Five ways to manage a perfectionist manager

It is crucial for a boss to tactfully handle a perfectionist team lead so that his traits can be used, without it demoralising the team. ET finds out ways to do so.

DETAIL TASK

To curb fastidiousness of a perfectionist, a leader could himself do the necessary detailing required for tasks. "Develop a 'role matrix' and support it with a structured scorecard," says Adil Malia, group president — HR, Essar Group.



ALL-ROUND FEEDBACK

A perfectionist manager will not be able to handle direct criticism and hence a leader could introduce collective feedback.

PERSONAL INTERVENTION

A perfectionist manager’s boss can hold meetings with him and his team members. "This would help in reassuring other members," says Malia.

BE CONSTRUCTIVE

A boss can encourage perfectionist team members as they bring in an element of quality, says Dhruv K Desai , senior VP and head, HR and leadership academy, Angel Broking.

IDENTIFY BUDDY

A leader can identify someone the fussy team member respects and identifies with, ensuring another channel of communication is maintained, says Desai.