It seems no matter where people work, there continues to be an increasing focus on improving skills and abilities. This could be something as improving operational efficiencies or just being more effective at utilizing the skills and abilities of the people you lead.
Regardless of the new demands and challenges we all face in a modern day workplace, improving our performance is a must. The good news is that everyone has the ability to take their performance to the next level. Here are a few strategies you can start to use:
Recognize Your Passion
Whether you refer to it as your passion or natural talents, recognizing this, and then focusing that energy on improving your performance, will enable you to greatly improve your abilities. Be cautious however, some people will have you believe we only have one passion, which is completely untrue. We all possess several passions and most go unrecognized. Be open and agile when recognizing, developing and discovering all your passions.
Pressure is a Privilege
This is a term I hear often in the world of sports, and is something I learned years ago from a coach. Under valuing pressure, no matter where it appears can be our biggest stumbling block towards improving our skills and abilities. High-level performers recognize that pressure is their biggest opportunity to perform at their ultimate best, and they routinely seek out pressure opportunities. So when you are faced with a high pressure situation, step-up and walk towards it. Regardless of the outcome, you will discover new abilities you never knew you had.
Be Innovative
Being innovative is the action that will ensure you stay engaged and growing within your day–to-day work. Even performance mind-set people who have the most mundane job in the world are always finding ways to be innovative and world-class. Trying new and different approaches in the work you do each day will help you discover your next-level of performance.
Remember, when you “think” you have reached your best, and you no longer feel you can improve your abilities, stop for a moment, look how far you have progressed, then discover new passions, innovate, or look for a new challenge. Great human performance is all about small incremental changes over time.
All the best in achieving your highest performance.
Paul
Image courtesy of arztsamui at FreeDigitalPhotos.net