Lessons learned from observing Top Performers

One of my favorite activities is to observe some of the highest performers and see what characteristics they have that differentiates them from the rest of the bunch.

My goal from this exercise is to learn here and there from the best of the best - trying to make myself almost a 'hybrid' of all of them combined. Note that the below observations are from working closely with some of the top Sales Reps, Solutions Architects, Systems Integrators (SI), and Senior Management/Leadership.

1. The first quality I noticed they have in common is great self-esteem. Not to be confused with cocky - but they have high self-worth. They have faith in themselves and high conviction that they can get through whatever challenge they face. You will never see them talk lowly of themselves. You can even see their confidence from observing their body language and hear it in their tonality too.
2. They also have high energy and charisma. You will feel their presence (even in a zoom meeting) because they have a ton of passion and enthusiasm in what they do and a strong determination to accomplish their goals. The energy they put out inspires and influences others in a positive way.
3. They usually have a mentor or are a mentor themselves - Everyone can use a mentor/coach, even Olympic athletes leverage their coaches and sports psychologists -who help keep their mentality sharp and guide them to be their best. I personally believe mentorship has been one of the greatest influences for leveling up my own career as well.
4. Finally they have a bias for action. This essentially means they are willing to take risks and make decisions even when faced with ambiguity or uncertainty. If there is a problem they are facing - they won't beat around the bush or dance around the issue. They will quickly determine next steps/action plan or communicate it clearly to leadership to make the decision.

Try this exercise in your industry and observe how the best in your field operate. Don't necessarily try to copy and be exactly like them, but learn from them and apply it to be the best you.