Leading the Over-Self Critical Employee

People who are overly self-critical also often tend to be hard on themselves when asked to self-evaluate. In the workplace, they may feel like they could have gotten more out of a deal or made better professional relationships with potential clients – the list can go on and on.

However, it's important to recognize the difference between someone who is ambitious and someone who is striving too hard to be perfect! In this brief article, we’ll go over some business tips for leading an overly-self critical employee; read on to learn more!

What are Some Causes of Self-Critical Employees?

The first question you must ask yourself as an employer is, "What are the causes of self-criticism ?" In a work context, these issues and negative thoughts can stem from a variety of sources. 

Perfectionism in the Workplace

Many of us strive to be "perfect" in our work, though, unfortunately, perfectionism can be a double-edged sword. While it drives high standards, it can lead to self-criticism when expectations aren't met. Employers must instead foster a culture that values progress over perfection! 

Fear of Discipline from Management

Many employees become excessively self-critical due to a fear of discipline from management. They fear what their managers might think about their lack of perfection in their work, mostly because they don't have an open communication line to discuss expectations! We always recommend creating open communication channels and being transparent as leaders, as it can help alleviate employees' negative concerns, promoting a healthier work environment from top to bottom.

Feeling of Inadequacy

When higher-level management doesn't acknowledge the positive things that their employees are doing, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy among employees. It's crucial that leaders actively recognize and celebrate any and all achievements their teams make, no matter how large or small! In the end, this can foster a sense of value, job satisfaction, and competence.   

Leadership Tips for Overly-Self Critical Staff Members

When leading an overly self-critical employee, you have to have a delicate balance of guidance and empathy, setting boundaries at work and having conversations with your staff. Here are a few ways in which you can empower your team and create a more positive work environment! 

1) Set Work Boundaries

Work boundaries, especially in the age of working from home, are key for any business. Employers should encourage a healthy work-life balance with clearly defined work boundaries. Ensure that you emphasize the importance of taking time off during the holidays and taking breaks during long work days. Not only does this promote better mental health for your staff, but it also helps keep up employee morale.  

2) Start Career Conversations with the Employee(s)

Beyond talking your team through routine performance evaluations, having meaningful conversations with your employees about upcoming challenges and growth opportunities is a key aspect of good leadership. Leading these types of discussions is a great way to find untapped potential and cultivate a workplace where employees don't feel stagnant or self-critical.  

Offer Challenges and Growth Opportunities

When having these types of conversations, it's important to go beyond discussing current employee roles. Find out more about the individual goals and aspirations that each employee has and see if there are ways in which you can align their ambitions with the long-term trajectory of your company!

You may speak with one of your employees who opens up about their passion for project management, and it just so happens that project management is something your cross-functional team needs right now. Not only are you allowing that employee to open up to you and feel more valued, but you're also creating a strong sense of culture where members are encouraged to reach their full potential.  

3) Create the Right Environment and Team Culture

Crafting a positive and inclusive team culture is a foundational part of running a thriving company. As a leader, you play a pivotal role in shaping the culture! Let's say you have a marketing team run by a forward-thinking manager who recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusivity in his team, and because of that, they encourage their team members to share their unique perspectives during business meetings, whether it's their unique professional experiences or cultural backgrounds. This meeting could take place every week, creating a sense of transparency, openness, and trust among the different levels of the team, giving employees a space where they can express their ideas without feeling judged! 

4) Have Management Provide Real-Time Feedback

The workplace is moving faster than it ever has, especially with continued technological advancements. Real-time feedback is more critical than the traditional annual performance review that has become popular in the corporate world over the last few decades.  

Real-time feedback is a catalyst for continued improvement, addressing challenges as they arise and allowing management to recognize and reinforce positive behaviors or deal with negative habits promptly. With this real-time feedback, self-critical employees can get a clear understanding of where they stand with their work performance.

Continued Encouragement for Employees is Key

Not only can real-time feedback from management help ensure that employees are on the right track at all times, but it can also reinforce their positive behaviors and keep them from dealing with their inner critic. Sustained encouragement is the secret sauce that transforms the ordinary employee into the extraordinary employee! 

Horizon is a Trusted Partner for Businesses of All Kinds

Here at Horizon, we aim to empower leaders and managers, giving them the resources they need to address the complexities of modern business. Check out our other professional blog posts or read about our trusted business solutions to learn more! 

Top-Rated Solutions for Payroll and HR Processes

We understand the need for good leadership in modern businesses and what it means to have employees who are proud to work and grow within the bounds of a company with a specific goal in mind. Our top-rated solutions can help streamline your HR and payroll processes, ensuring efficiency and compliance throughout the year. 

Contact Us Today for More Information

If you're ready to empower your business with Horizon's comprehensive HR and payroll solutions, we're ready to help! Contact us today to learn how we can tailor our services to meet your specific needs and drive your organization forward.