Be Perfect

Explanations > Motivation > Kahler's drivers > Be Perfect

Imperative | Identification | Benefits | Problems | Treatment | So what?

This is one of the five drivers originally identified in the field of Transactional Analysis by Taibi Kahler. Here are some simple and useful notes on it.

Imperative

• I must be perfect, wonderful, correct in every way.
• I must succeed in everything I do.
• I must get top marks and win.

Identification

• Exact language, including qualification when they are not sure, such as 'probably', and absolutes when they are, such as 'absolutely'.
• Always neat and well-groomed.
• Never completely satisfied with what they do.

Benefits

• Hard-working, with excellent quality output.
• May achieve great things.

Problems

• Fears of failure and losing control, and subsequent over-compensation.
• Over-work. Not finishing things for fear of criticism.
• Expecting others to be perfect too.

Treatment

• Laughter.
• Praise, including for less-than-perfect work.
• Be very specific with criticism (and praise).

So what?

Recognize these drivers in yourself and others and treat them accordingly.

See also

Ellis' Irrational Beliefs, A-player problems

Kahler, T. (1975). Drivers—The Key to the Process Script.  Transactional Analysis Journal, 5:3

http://www.taibikahlerassociates.com/PTMvsPCM.phtml