[FLR] Confidence, Perspective, and the Impact on Performance

Happy Friday,

"This is the only thing that's stopping me, is this," Fred Kerley, the former world champion, said, pointing to his head.?

This simple yet profound moment stuck with me as I watched the second season of?Sprinters?on Netflix.?

I reflected on the difference between Olympic Champion Noah Lyles's self-talk and Fred Kerley's and their impact on performance and results.

It captured a truth that leaders and coaches alike must recognize: the most significant barriers are often the ones we impose on ourselves.

We all carry self-imposed limits:

• "I'm too old."
• "I didn't go to the best school."
• "I'm not from this sector."
• "I graduated at a hard time."
• "I'm new to this region."

These narratives may be rooted in fact, but they don't define potential—they shape perspective. Leaders have a unique role in challenging these limiting beliefs, helping their teams reframe them as strengths rather than obstacles.

Gallup's research?reveals two powerful truths:

1. Confidence is critical to performance.?Teams with high confidence in their skills are 42% more likely to achieve their goals.
2. Positive reinforcement from leaders matters.?Employees who feel supported by their manager are 67% more engaged at work.

Technical excellence matters, of course, whether you're in sports, finance, technology, law, or architecture.?Mastering the mechanics—perfecting the sprint, analyzing financial data, or drafting flawless designs—is essential.?

But at a certain point, performance depends less on technical skills and more on belief: belief in one's skills, context, and ability to overcome challenges.

As leaders, our role is twofold:

1. Cultivate belief in skills and context.?Whether it's a sprinter fine-tuning their stride or a team navigating challenges, breakthroughs often come from believing in their ability to overcome.
2. Expand perspective.?Help your team see that?their?perceived weaknesses—age, background, or timing—can be their secret sauce, bringing unique insights and resilience.

As you reflect on this week, ask yourself: What self-imposed limits might be holding your team—or even you—back??

How can you help reframe those limits into opportunities?

Greatness lies at the intersection of technical excellence, smart work and unshakable belief.?

That's where the breakthrough begins.

Along the road with you,

Alan

P.S. It’s never too early or too late to support your team through transitions. Connect with Matt Goff , VP of Partner Solutions to learn more about outplacement and transition support.

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P.P.S. It's always a good time to enhance team development. Let us take care of your people and culture needs.?Connect with Matt Goff , VP of Partner Solutions to explore how we can help.

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