Creating the Conditions for High-Performance

Behind every great athlete is a great coach.? And I have had the fortune (pardon the pun) of being coached by one of the all-time greats, Peter Fortune, who we all affectionately call Fort.? There is no more significant accomplishment as a track and field coach than to coach someone to Olympic Gold – Fort did this at the Sydney 2000 Olympics when he coached Catherine Freeman to her magnificent win in the 400m.

After finishing third in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2000 Olympic trials, I retired from hurdling after failing to make the Australian team. Although Fort had, at the time, wanted me to give the 800 meters a shot, I was ready to finish my Master's degree and move on to my career. Fast-forward 22 years, and when I got the itch to train and race again, Fort was the first person I called, and he welcomed me back to his training group with open arms.

The photograph above was captured at the Victorian Championships last weekend as we were de-briefing my race. This captured moment caused me to pen my observations of Fort's coaching style and reflect on how closely it aligned with textbook psychology motivational theory.

"Fort has high expectations for his athletes but never applies pressure; instead, he creates an environment where growth feels natural and achievable. His coaching style is gentle guidance, which is supportive and encouraging. Fort helps his athletes unlock their potential without fear of failure.? He approaches every athlete with a deep understanding of their strengths. He helps them push past the edge of their potential while feeling supported every step."

At training on Tuesday night, after I shared my words, Fort challenged me about what I had written, "You're saying I am too soft, aren't you?"? That was not at all what I was trying to communicate. Fort creates the optimal conditions for achieving individual athletic potential, and without him even realising it, he has, for the last half-century, intuitively facilitated the optimal conditions for motivating his athletes.

Creating Conditions for High-Performance Workplaces

Leaders can learn from Fort's coaching philosophy to create high-performance workplaces through the lens of motivational psychology: Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The concept of SDT is that when you act with self-determination, you are willing to do something volitionally and are wholeheartedly engaged in what you do.??

Just as Fort fosters motivation in his athletes, leaders and managers can cultivate an environment where employees flourish by supporting the three core psychological needs identified in SDT essential for maximising motivation: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.? ??

1. Autonomy: Empower Employees

You can get someone to do something but can't get them to want to do something. Fort doesn't just get his athletes to train hard; he creates the conditions where they want to train hard. He will write a monthly program, but with the flexibility to adjust, he will set 'target times' in training that often stretch athletes, but are achievable.

In a business context, employees need to feel independent and in control of their choices at work. Leaders can:

• Set clear goals but allow flexibility in how employees achieve them.??
• Empower employees by consulting them or involving them in decision-making.
• Encourage creativity and innovation by giving employees space to explore ideas.

2. Competence: Provide Growth Opportunities

Fort pushes his athletes to unlock their potential while ensuring they feel supported. He knows the strength of every athlete, and he will collaboratively adjust their program and training sessions to better meet their needs. Feedback is regular: after almost every training session and certainly after every race.

Leaders must balance challenge with support in the workplace so employees build confidence and develop mastery. Leaders can:

• Provide challenging but achievable tasks – stretch employees just beyond their comfort zone to encourage continuous improvement.
• Provide regular coaching and feedback and opportunities for learning and development.
• Encourage an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities.

3. Relatedness: Foster Connection + Belonging

Fort fosters a positive team environment (even within an individual sport) where athletes feel supported, valued and cared for. He's always there at training and races, providing guidance and encouragement. The group isn't just a collection of individuals who race each other —it's a community where athletes feel part of a team. Everyone pushes each other while celebrating successes and sharing challenges.

In a business context, people thrive when they feel a strong sense of connection with others. Leaders can:

• Be present and engaged. Consistently show up for your team, offering support and encouragement, especially when things don't go well.
• Foster a culture where people feel valued, respected and psychologically safe to seek help or share ideas.
• Foster a collaborative culture. Encourage teamwork, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, even among employees who might compete for promotions or recognition.

Creating a High-Performance Culture

A workplace that echoes Fort's coaching approach will retain engaged, motivated employees who perform at their best—not because they feel forced, but because they feel inspired. Companies that embrace the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness see:

• Higher intrinsic motivation and task perseverance where employees work because they enjoy and find meaning in their tasks.
• Increased innovation and problem-solving, as employees feel safe to experiment, take initiative, and innovate.
• Improved well-being and lower burnout and turnover since people feel supported rather than pressured.

Just as Fort creates the right conditions for athletic success, leaders can cultivate an environment where motivation and performance flourish by empowering employees, developing their skills, and fostering strong relationships.

References:

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The relation of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to self-determination and self-regulation. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.

I also highly recommend the book by Anthony Klarica The Performance Mindset - 7 Steps to Success in Sport and Life for more reading on high performance.