8 June 2009
10 Strategies of Peak Performers
Posted by Dan DeMuth under: PIM Articles .
10 Strategies of Peak Performers
In my years as a performance coach, I’ve had the chance to work with a number of peak performers. What separates peak performers from the rest of the crowd is that they find ways to meet their goals (whatever it takes) and maximize their successes over time. Probably the most readily available example of peak performers would come in sports; take for instance Lebron James in basketball, or Tiger Woods in golf. These players seemingly possess a rare ability to hit extraordinary shots, which can change the outcome of the game or round. Yet, a question remains—were these sports icons born as peak performers or did they develop and hone finite performance skills over time? These players likely posses rare athletic ability, but it takes much more than that to consistently perform. Clearly, it takes commitment (practice), confidence, and unrelenting determination, all of which must be developed over time.
In life and business, there are some common, prototypical strategies that characterize peak performers. Having coached a number of CEOs and companies to improved success, I know that these strategies can be learned.
I’ve put together a list of my observations as a performance coach with commentary on how you or your team can apply these 10 Strategies of Peak Performers to your work environment. Each week, stay tuned for 1 of the 10 strategies.
- Understand Perception v. Reality. When peak performers analyze a situation, they do not limit themselves by conventional perceptions about what can or cannot be accomplished. They have a greater understanding of what is possible, and may think that nothing is impossible, but merely unlikely. This expanded perception of reality allows for greater confidence and belief in self. At the same time, peak performers know exactly what it takes to succeed and they accurately assess a difficult situation and allocate their resources accordingly. Back to the sports metaphor, Tiger Woods knows that it is not easy to fade a shot around a tree from 200 yards in thick rough, but he is aware of his chances for a successful outcome and does not limit himself with the perception that this cannot be done. Meanwhile, in business, a peak performing executive knows the reality of what it takes to accomplish a business goal. He/she is well aware of the steps needed to meet this goal and when/if a goal may be based on the whims of subjectivity. Here at Performance In Motion, we help people find the balance between belief in oneself and the reality of what it takes to accomplish goals. We also incorporate visual exercises, which teach people to take a second look at what they “see” in any situation, and understand the balance between perception versus reality.
