The Obsessive-Compulsive Executive

Abstract

You will encounter many executives displaying obsessive-compulsive behavior in your coaching work—organizations are packed with them. They are the ones known for their orderliness, control, and perfectionism. Their own strict standards color the way they look at the world, which for them is the only “right” one, and their adherence to rules, systems, and orderly structures is inflexible. Obsessive-compulsives seem to be preoccupied with work at the expense of playfulness, adaptability, openness, and efficiency. Predictably, this behavior doesn’t make for relaxed or close interpersonal relationships. They can be very stubborn and are unreceptive to other ways of doing things.

I am doomed to an eternity of compulsive work. No set goal achieved satisfies. Success only breeds a new goal. The golden apple devoured has seeds. It is endless.

—Bette Davis

When you’re obsessive, like me, searching for something unattainable can become unhealthy … It’s like falling through the air and grabbing at the clouds.

—Jonny Wilkinson

I have got this obsessive compulsive disorder where I have to have everything in a straight line, or everything has to be in pairs.

—David Beckham