The fine line between getting it right and becoming a bottleneck

When it comes to our careers, most of us strive to do a good job and add value in what we do.

In a Procurement context, this might look like nailing the details in a supplier agreement, reworking a specification until it’s flawless, or managing risk before it ever has a chance to materialise. Dotting the i’s, crossing the t’s: all in pursuit of adding value.

And of course, to minimise the chances of being blamed for anything going wrong.

At our best, our perfectionist tendencies can be a superpower; the difference between good and great. 

But under pressure, they can work against us.

The key is knowing where the line is so we can add value without adding another heaped serving to our plate.

When the pursuit of perfectionism does work

Perfectionism can be a serious asset in procurement:

• Diligence and accuracy: Double-checking the data... and then checking the checker’s work. That level of care can save millions and protect reputations.
• Thorough analysis: Not settling for the first supplier quote or the fanciest solution. Procurement goes deeper and vets.
• High standards: Procurement's work touches the business far and wide. Precision builds trust. People know we’ve done our homework.

In many ways, being a perfectionist has helped Procurement deliver results that are both rock-solid and resilient.

When perfectionism starts running the show

But here’s where the pursuit of perfection can hold us back:

• Paralysis by analysis: Ever find yourself tweaking a supplier presentation... for the fifth time?
• Slower decision-making: In a world that’s moving faster by the minute, waiting for 100% certainty can mean missing 100 opportunities.
• Team friction: Perfectionists can (unintentionally!) become bottlenecks. Or worse: micromanagers.

The pursuit of perfect can sometimes prevent progress.

That impact is real at the operational levels of Procurement. 

But it doesn’t stop there.

When perfect leads the way

At a leadership level, perfectionism can disguise itself as “high standards.” 

But behind the scenes, it can:

• Disempower your team: If your bar is perfection and you’re constantly rewriting, re-reviewing, or “fixing,” you might be signalling that others' contributions aren’t good enough. It eats away at trust, keeps you stuck in the weeds, and away from strategic work (where you're most needed).
• Slow down innovation and impact: Risk aversion can become cultural. Teams stop experimenting or voicing ideas because they fear they’ll never meet the bar.
• Create bottlenecks at the top: When leaders don’t delegate or let go, everything stalls at their desk. Not great for adaptability, morale (or your precious downtime).

Perfectionist leadership can look like protecting the team from failure (after all, when things go wrong, fingers often get pointed in Procurement’s direction).

But what teams really need is permission to learn, stretch, and occasionally mess up without fearing a fallout or blame.

Getting the balance right: progress over perfection

The evolution from perfectionism to progress-focused leadership takes intention. It might look like:

• Setting “clear enough” direction and trusting your people to take it forward (messy edges included).
• Celebrating learning, not just outcomes: Procurement is evolving, and growth often comes with growing pains.
• Modelling imperfection yourself: A leader who can say, “I got that wrong...here’s what I’m learning,” gives everyone else permission to breathe and grow.

To Procurement pros (especially those leading the way)

There is no doubt that a keen eye for detail can work to the profession’s benefit. 

In many ways it has helped to move Procurement forward.

But we need to embrace courage to continue pushing forward and driving change.

And with change comes “messy” action.

Excellence in Procurement was never about being flawless.

Nor is it about having all the answers.

The real gold standard is about creating environments where you can remain adaptable and embrace "good enough".

How Coaching For Procurement Ltd can help

Coaching For Procurement Ltd offers a full suite of coaching solutions designed to empower and support Procurement leaders and their teams; from Procurement team coaching through to ILM qualifications using the unique P.R.O.C.U.R.E® coaching methodology and frameworks, as well as 1:1 coaching. We work together on your inner game at these pivotal moments of your Procurement journey.

If you would like to explore a coaching approach to building Procurement's impact, please reach out to find out more: www.coachingforprocurement.co.uk/contact-me