Performance SHIFT

HOW TO SHIFT FROM HIGH ACHIEVER TO HIGH PERFORMER MODE, MANAGE YOUR LEADERSHIP PERFORMANCE AND MAKE LIFE EASIER.

- CLAUDIA LANTOS

Leaders who perform at their peak and spend more time in ‘flow’ have learned a powerful self-awareness strategy: to recognise when they are in high achiever mode and learn how to shift back to high performer mode.

In peak performance, we feel at our best and do our best work. Peak performance is the state where you can best apply your strengths and skill set. You have the right amount of healthy pressure to keep your mind sharp, and lose track of time as you enjoy the process. Creativity and productivity come easily with the least conscious, self-limiting talk.

Why is it important for a leader to know how to shift from high achiever mode to high performer mode? Increased self-awareness is the key to accelerating your journey towards effective and authentic leadership. In my experience as an Executive Coach, leaders who manage their peak performance work with less effort and achieve better outcomes for themselves and their team because they optimise their decision-making and increase their adaptability and resilience.

Sounds good, doesn’t it? But it takes practice and is particularly hard when you are in a newly acquired leadership role. If you are tired of constantly pushing through adversity and setbacks – to the point of exhaustion – to get things done, you are probably working in high achiever mode. Of course, we all face adversity. And it will mostly come up when it’s least convenient. But your time and energy is precious. You want to thrive and enjoy the complex and demanding leadership role you have, but you also want to have a life.