Challenges to high performance include entitlement, unfocused energy, and soul-sucking systems.
Questions that expose high performers:
#1 What makes you think you want to be a high performer?
It helps to know why you aspire to high performance.
Saying you want a promotion is lame. Why do you want a promotion? Financial gain? Feeling respected? Making a difference? Growth and learning? Building relationships?
Purpose fuels passion.
#2. What are you DOING to show up as a high performer?
Desire is a cheap substitute for action.
If you made a list of things you’re actually DOING to be a high performer, what would be on it?
Would you say you’re a high performer because you work hard? I know lots of average performers who work very hard.
Long hours aren’t the answer to high performance either. You won’t succeed if your goal is working long hours. I know many high performers who usually eat dinner at home, contribute to their communities, and take vacations.
#3. How are you learning and changing?
The most important factors in becoming a high performer are learning, growth, and change. If you’re doing the same thing – the same way – over and over – you’re struggling toward mediocrity.
I didn’t ask WHAT are you learning and changing. I asked HOW. What’s your system?
7 suggestions:
- Read 12 books a year and implement one new idea from each.
- Meet once a month with a group of leaders who work on leadership.
- Hire a coach.
- Seek feedback once a week on specific topics from colleagues and customers. Act on it.
- Stop needing to be right. Relax. Listen more and talk less.
- Get uncomfortable. Try new things.
- Give yourself permission to make things better, regardless of your position.
Bonus: Define high performance.
How do you spot high performers?
What makes a person a high performer?
