3 Easy Evidence-Based Ways to Become a High-Performance Leader

Abe Brown, MBA Many people aspire to high-performance leadership. And for good reason: High performers do better quality work; they engage and motivate their teams and organizations, they enjoy more success in business or their careers, etc. In short, the grass really is greener on the other side when you’re a high performer. But don’t get down on yourself if you have yet to attain this level of leadership.?

Why? Because anyone can do it by following a few simple practices. In fact, there are 3 proven, evidence-based ways you can grow into high-performance leadership in your life. And the best part? They have nothing to do with your genetic makeup, skin complexion, upbringing, etc. Keep reading to learn more.

1. Deliberate Practice?

In 2016, Anders Ericsson (behavioural psychologist and Professor of Psychology) published his landmark classic “Peak.” After years of analyzing and studying elite performers across many disciplines, Ericsson makes the case, in the book, that deliberate practice is the cornerstone of growth into positions of leadership. Deliberate practice (as defined by Ericsson) includes:

• Maximum “reachfulness”: You should challenge yourself when you practice; you must be stretched slightly beyond your current capabilities. This level of engagement (combined with repetition) is what enables high-performance leaders to thrive.
• Self-monitoring: This notion refers to the idea of spotting and correcting your own mistakes in your performance. Now, of course, initially (and ideally), you’ll have a coach or mentor of some sort to point out your errors and help you correct them. However, over time, as you gain experience, you’ll eventually progress to self-monitoring.?
• Fill the windshield: Those who aspire to mastery and high-performance leadership need to adopt the idea of “seeing the stars.” This refers to finding high performers that you want to emulate. Here’s the deal: There’s nothing new under the sun. High performers “steal” what’s already working with others and then “make it their own” by adding their unique spin on it.?

2. The Autonomy of Choice

There’s a pervasive (and completely FALSE) myth that’s circulating in our culture today. The idea that success is based on things like your upbringing, background, ethnicity, etc. But here’s the truth… Success is not based on any of those superficial attributes. Instead, success is actually based on your ability to focus, put in the work, and stay persistent. In short, becoming successful is a CHOICE that you are free to make at any moment.?

Returning to the research in Ericsson's book “Peak,” Ericsson spent decades analyzing elite performers across dozens of industries. And the data proved (again and again) that the common thread that binds these high performers together was their commitment to beating on their craft for thousands of hours.

And guess what…

That is a choice each of us can make. No one forced these individuals to have that level of dedication; it was a choice that they alone had to make. That same choice is available to you as well.?

3. Delayed Gratification?

Counter to what society will have you believe, most successful people are not splurging on 9 BMWs or outlandish vacations. Instead, they are typically much more conservative with their finances. They are focused on saving. Whether it’s to pay off the mortgage early or to put their kids through college or university, high performers (and successful people in general) practice delayed gratification.?

In fact, Ericcson’s book “Peak” has been so groundbreaking due to its comprehensive data, that it divulges the necessity of self-control in any true skill development. The publication stands as a meta-framework that continues to guide discussions in the talent development, skill cultivation, and areas of human improvement.?

Final Thoughts (You Are In Control)

When we talk about what separates low performers from high performers, it’s important to understand the truth. And the truth is it’s not about your background or genetic profile; it’s about your daily practices. It’s about what you do! Your actions have more of an impact on your outcomes than what has been done to you. What does this mean for you? It means YOU have much more control over your life than you may have ever previously thought!?

And that’s a beautiful thing! But here comes the good part… We at Certified Flourishing Coach want to help you unlock that potential. Our team of expert coaches and facilitators is understanding, empathetic, and passionate about helping you thrive in every aspect of business and life. So if you’re ready to flourish, contact us today to learn more!?

About the Author

Abe Brown, MBA, CMCT, CPHSA is the Coach’s Coach, and is an Entrepreneur, Professional Speaker, International Best-Selling Author, and High-Performance Leadership Coach. He is the founder of Certified Flourishing Coaching?, the Flourishing Life Coaching Program?, and Flourishing Workplace. Abe is also the author of the Certified Flourishing Coaching? Programs.