7 behaviors of people who thrived in school but struggle in the workplace, according to psychology

From the Personal Branding Blog

There’s a surprising paradox that many of us encounter as we transition from the structured world of academics to the unpredictable terrain of the workplace.

According to psychology, some behaviors that spell success in school may actually be hindrances in the professional world.

Just think about it – being a star student doesn’t always equate to being a star employee. The rules of the game change, and suddenly, those who aced every test find themselves floundering.

In this article, we’ll delve into the seven behaviors that often trip up those who were top performers in school but are now struggling in their careers.

Despite their best intentions, these individuals may unknowingly be sabotaging their professional growth.

By shedding light on these behaviors, you can realign your actions to better fit the workplace, while staying true to your authentic self. Brace yourself for some eye-opening insights!

1) Perfectionism

In academia, you’re rewarded for turning in flawless work – whether it’s a perfect score on a math test or a flawless essay.

This fuels the pursuit of perfection and high standards, often driving students to the top of their class.

But once these individuals step into the professional world, their perfectionistic tendencies can turn into a liability.

In the workplace, perfection is often the enemy of progress.

Projects need to be completed in a timely manner and waiting around for that elusive ‘perfect’ result can hinder productivity and lead to missed deadlines.

Moreover, an excessive focus on perfection can stifle creativity and innovation – two key ingredients for success in today’s dynamic work environment.

Learning to let go of perfectionism while maintaining high standards is a crucial adjustment that many high-achieving students need to make as they transition into their careers.

This shift allows for more flexibility, better time management, and ultimately, growth in the professional realm.

2) Fear of failure

I remember back in my school days, failure was simply not an option.

Every assignment, every test, every project was an opportunity to excel – and any less than stellar performance felt like a monumental letdown.

This fear of failure was a powerful motivator in school, pushing me to study harder, aim higher and never settle for less.

It played a significant role in my academic achievements.

But when I stepped into the workplace, I quickly realized that this fear was more of a hindrance than a motivator.

In the professional world, failure is not only inevitable but also an important part of growth and innovation.

In my first job, I remember being so terrified of making a mistake that I would double-check every single email before sending it out, obsess over every minor detail in my presentations and shy away from any task that seemed risky.

This fear held me back from taking initiatives and stepping out of my comfort zone.

It took me a while to understand that it’s okay to make mistakes in the workplace – as long as you learn from them.

Overcoming this fear of failure has been one of the most liberating and transformative adjustments I’ve made in my professional journey.

3) Rigid approach

In school, there’s typically a well-defined path to success: follow the syllabus, meet the deadlines, pass the exams. This structure often leads students to develop a rigid, linear approach to solving problems.

The workplace is a different beast altogether. It’s complex, dynamic and unpredictable. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges you encounter.

Individuals who can think flexibly and adapt their strategies in response to changing circumstances are more successful in their careers.

This ability, known as cognitive flexibility, is a key predictor of job performance.

The transition from a structured academic environment to the fluid dynamics of the workplace requires a mental shift.

Learning to embrace ambiguity, think outside the box, and adapt to rapidly changing scenarios is an essential skill for thriving in today’s professional world.

4) Over-reliance on authority

Schools can often inadvertently promote a culture of dependency on authority figures.

You’re told what to study, when to study, and how to study. Teachers and professors are the ultimate sources of knowledge and guidance.

But once you step into the workplace, the dynamics change. While there are still managers and supervisors, the expectation is for you to take charge of your tasks, think independently, and make decisions.

This shift from being guided at every step to self-reliance can be jarring for many.

It’s no longer about waiting for instructions but about taking initiative.

This transition might be challenging but it’s also an opportunity for personal growth.

It allows you to trust your instincts, make decisions that align with your values, and build a career that truly reflects your potential.

5) Lack of self-care

During my university days, I was notorious for pulling all-nighters before exams, surviving on a diet of coffee and energy drinks. Sleep was often sacrificed, and self-care was never a priority.

The goal was to perform and excel, even if it meant pushing myself to the brink of exhaustion.

The professional world doesn’t operate on the same principles. It’s not about sprinting to the finish line, but more about running a marathon.

Workplace demands are constant and maintaining a high level of performance requires resilience and stamina, both of which are closely tied to self-care.

It took me a few burnouts to truly understand that prioritizing my health and well-being wasn’t a luxury—it was a necessity. I had to learn the hard way that without taking care of myself, I couldn’t bring my best self to work.

Embracing self-care as an integral part of my routine has improved not only my productivity at work but also my overall happiness and satisfaction in life.

6) Inability to handle criticism

In school, most feedback is numerical. You get a score or a grade, and that’s it. It’s easy to accept because it’s impersonal.

But in the workplace, feedback can be more qualitative and direct, which can make it harder to swallow.

The harsh reality is that not everything you do in your career will be met with applause.

Constructive criticism is a part of professional growth. It’s how you learn what you’re good at and where you need to improve.

However, those who thrived in school might not be used to such feedback and may take it personally.

This can result in defensiveness, denial, or even discouragement.

Learning to accept criticism gracefully, view it as a tool for improvement rather than a personal attack, and use it as a stepping stone towards better performance is a key aspect of professional success.

It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being open to growth and learning.

7) Fear of taking risks

In the academic world, playing it safe often pays off. Stick to the syllabus, follow the rules, and you’ll likely succeed. But in the workplace, playing it safe can limit your growth.

Taking risks is integral to professional advancement. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, daring to innovate, and being open to new experiences.

Risk-taking can lead to new opportunities, personal growth, and even breakthrough performance.

While it might feel uncomfortable, embracing risk is often the path to remarkable achievements. It’s about making decisions that align with your values and aspirations, not just what’s safe or expected.

Go ahead and take that leap. You never know where it might lead.

Final thoughts

What’s fascinating about human behavior is its adaptability. We are not static beings. Our experiences, our environments, and our conscious decisions shape us in profound ways.

The behaviors that may have contributed to your school success but are now hindering your workplace performance are not set in stone.

They can be unlearned and replaced with behaviors that better serve your professional growth.

The transition from academia to the professional world isn’t just about adapting to a new environment – it’s about evolving as an individual.

It’s about recognizing your potential, embracing authenticity, and aligning your actions with who you truly are. It’s about growth – not just career-wise, but personally as well.

Take a moment to reflect. What behaviors might be holding you back? And more importantly, which ones will propel you forward?

The answers might surprise you. But they’ll also empower you to navigate the workplace with greater confidence, resilience, and success.

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