These tips were published on the TED Ideas website.
Set yourself and your team realistic goals
The first step in combating perfectionism is to set yourself realistic goals. If your plans are too ambitious, it is easy to lapse into thinking everything has to be done exactly as planned with 100% accuracy; otherwise, you or your team will fall behind the stated targets. Set goals so that you have a "buffer", in other words, a certain reserve. Because nothing will ever be exactly as you imagined.
See mistakes as opportunities to learn something new
A mistake can be used in a positive way. In fact, in many ways it is even desirable as it indicates you and your team are stepping outside your comfort zone and venturing into new, uncharted waters. Instead of seeing a mistake as a failure, regard it as an opportunity to grow and find new solutions. And pass that same attitude on to subordinates.
Never micromanage subordinates
A manager can only be a perfectionist if they have a complete insight into what is going on in their team and what exactly their subordinates are doing. However, this is not the manager's job. Instead of micromanaging, the manager should focus on giving employees enough room for their own creativity and independent work.
Focus on long-term progress, not perfection
Perfection should never be your main goal. Your main goal should be long-term and sustainable progress. Do not assess outcomes simply based on whether everything worked out exactly as you planned. Rather, focus on whether you are making progress as a team, improving your processes, and whether your subordinates are generally stronger, more productive and more resilient than, say, a few years ago.
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