16 July 2009
Strategies 4 and 5
Posted by Dan DeMuth under: PIM Articles .
4. Understand Risk vs. Leadership. How many times have we seen a peak performer in basketball nail a three point shot that looked like it had no chance of going in? We might be apt to question the player for taking this risky shot had it missed, but would if it was do or die; they had to take the shot to tie or win the game with a second left? In this case, we’d be praising them for their courage. Consider this in business: seldom does one have to take the high risk, do or die shot, but when a business is slumping or the model is not working, one has to be willing to take on a leadership role to solve the situation. Peak performers take risks when necessary, or when the reward is sufficient. But more importantly, they are willing to step up and do what’s necessary when their leadership is needed.
5. Enjoyment Synonymous with Peak Performance. Peak performers take great pleasure in achieving their goals and know how to celebrate their successes. Celebration helps to reinforce the “feeling” of success and enhances motivation to get through more difficult times. Being able to remember what it felt like to accomplish X will make it easier to get through Y. Peak performers seek to spend as much time enjoying their successes as possible, but will demonstrate a tenacity to get through grueling circumstances with great poise. One method to increase enjoyment in a long-term, or otherwise “difficult” process, is to reward oneself for short-term goals along the way. For instance, peak business performers (typically CEOs) might set up quarterly revenue goals and celebrate when they meet them, often with the rest of the company. This strengthens the belief that short-term goals really do add up to the long-term goal, and helps to maintain consistent progress. Of course, it is important not to celebrate in excess. Peak performers only celebrate real progress and do not lose sight of reality.
One Comment so far...
John Says:
4 August 2009 at 8:18 am.
I read a few topics. I respect your work and added blog to favorites.
