The Stickler Saboteur has some many admirable characteristics. They are hard workers and dependable. If a project needs doing, they will be the ones staying late to make sure it is done “right.” Many people who are victims of this saboteur will admit that they are a “little bit perfectionistic.” They believe that there is always a right and wrong way. They will research until they find the “right” way and then enforce that “right” way at work.
To say that being the victim of the Stickler Saboteur is exhausting is a huge understatement! Often they cannot allow others to do the work for fear it will be done wrong. Suppressed anger and frustration lead to even more stress. It is common that the Stickler Saboteur will lash out with sarcasm or self-righteous comments which means they get even less cooperation reenforcing the belief that “if it is going to be done well I have to do it myself!”
The victim of the Stickler Saboteur justifies their behavior by believing that it is their personal obligation to fix and manage the outcome of projects by doing it all themselves. They are often proud of their perfectionistic behavior. But at what cost?
They alienate coworkers by not being flexible enough to realize the value in different approaches to a problem. If they are a manager often their team feels unempowered. The Stickler’s team is afraid to move forward independently for fear they are not doing it the “right” way.
Does this describe you when you are under stress? If it does, awareness is the first step. Notice when the Stickler Saboteur takes over. What does it feel like in your body? The body is often the first to notice when this saboteur is rearing it’s picky head. What do you do next? Do something to lower your stress level – 3 deep breaths, stretch and yawn, go for a walk. Then ask yourself questions like – Do I really have to control this? Is it really that important? Could there be more then one way to approach this?
Little by little the Stickler Saboteur will stop controlling your life. The results? You will enjoy more work/life balance, feel supported by your team and have the freedom to relax once in awhile!
Have an Amazing Monday (and everyday!)
Leanna Fredrich, Leadership, Career and Stress-Management Consultant
Leanna@amazingmondays.com
PS: If you want to take an assessment to identify your saboteurs here is the link –https://www.positiveintelligence.com/assessments/