Episode 16 of Season 2: Unmasking Perfectionism in the Legal Profession

In episode 16 of Season 2 of 'The Thriving Lawyer' podcast, Kathleen Brenner and Carla Ferraz explore the pervasive issue of perfectionism within the legal profession.

Kathleen and Carla, both ICF accredited coaches with extensive experience working with lawyers, discuss how perfectionism manifests in different forms - self-oriented, other-oriented, and socially prescribed - and the impact it has on lawyers' work and personal lives.

They delve into the intricate dynamics of perfectionism, citing research from scholars like Paul Hewitt, Gordon Flett, and Brene Brown, and assess its linkage to burnout, stress, and anxiety.

The hosts offer practical strategies to address perfectionism, including cognitive-behavioral coaching approaches, self-compassion exercises by Dr. Kristin Neff, and creating a culture of psychological safety within legal workplaces.

They emphasize the importance of reflective practice, understanding personal values, and fostering a growth mindset as tools to combat the rigidity of perfectionism.

Through real-world examples and actionable insights, this episode aims to help lawyers achieve a healthier balance between excellence and well-being.

00:00 Introduction to The Thriving Lawyer Podcast

00:55 Episode 16: Tackling Perfectionism in the Legal World

02:28 Defining Perfectionism: More Than High Standards

07:45 The Impact of Perfectionism on Lawyers

11:56 Coaching Strategies to Combat Perfectionism

14:34 Real-Life Examples of Perfectionism in Law

22:07 Practical Tips for Lawyers and Leaders

25:37 Conclusion and Reflections

27:07 Closing Remarks and Resources

Resources mentioned

Kristen Neff, Self-compassion exercises https://self-compassion.org/

VLSB Lawyer Wellbeing research 2019 can be found here. 

Thriving Lawyer resources 

Get the Lawyer's Guide to Thriving: A Sustainable Roadmap to Success here. 

Explore our signature course (coming soon) here.