Mastery vs. High Performance
When I read this quick summary back to myself after listening to Simon's interview with Mike Gervais, the words somehow feel emptier... they aren't nearly as powerful outside the conversation. Maybe there's a way to boil down these words better to create a fine bouillon out of them. I guess I'll need to keep at it...
What is Mastery?
Simon shares the story of a samurai sword maker who left a desk job to pursue his craft. After 30 years of working with swords, this artisan when interviewed humbly stated, “I’m still learning. One day, I hope to be good at this.” Despite decades of honing his craft, he didn’t consider himself a master yet. This attitude illustrates mastery: an infinite game where the focus is on growth and self-improvement, not a fixed end point of success. In contrast, high performance focuses on immediate achievements—getting results quickly and efficiently. However, mastery sees those results as a byproduct of dedication to craft and personal development. In mastery, there is humility. In high performance as defined here, ego.
The High-Performance "Trap" *
The modern workplace is often built around high performance. Employees are judged by metrics, bonuses are tied to results, and success is typically measured by external achievements like promotions and accolades. While this system can produce quick results, it creates an environment that demands constant output, leaving little room for personal growth or reflection.
This cycle of “perform, recover, and perform again” traps individuals in a finite game where the focus is always on the next goal. Once you reach a milestone, the pressure mounts to immediately move on to the next one, with no time to step back and evaluate long-term progress. While this may work for a time, it is not sustainable. As individuals become more focused on external rewards, they may lose sight of their own development, creativity, and well-being.
Mastery: The Infinite Game
In contrast to the short-term nature of high performance, mastery is about long-term growth. Mastery is an ongoing process where the focus is on continually improving, learning, and deepening one’s craft. It's not about achieving a singular goal; rather, it’s about cultivating skills and knowledge over time.
Mastery is less about reaching a finish line and more about embracing the journey. It requires resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to ongoing development, regardless of the immediate outcomes. The real value of mastery lies in the internal transformation that takes place—becoming better at what you do and understanding yourself in the process.
The Role of Purpose
Mastery cannot exist in isolation. To truly benefit from this approach, there must be a clear sense of purpose. Purpose provides the “why” behind the work. When people connect their efforts to something larger than themselves, they find meaning beyond immediate performance metrics.
Purpose shifts the focus from short-term achievements to long-term contributions. Whether it’s improving the lives of others, advancing a field, or building something of lasting value, purpose ensures that the work itself becomes rewarding, even in the absence of immediate validation.
The Alignment of Purpose and Mastery
Aligning mastery with purpose creates a powerful foundation for long-term success. When you know why you're doing something, and when you're committed to growing and improving at it over time, the pressure to constantly perform diminishes. Success becomes not just about hitting a number or crossing a finish line but about building something of lasting value, both in your work and in yourself.
This approach not only leads to personal fulfillment but also makes you more adaptable and resilient. In an ever-changing corporate landscape, where industries evolve and jobs disappear, mastery is a skill you can carry with you regardless of external circumstances. Purpose ensures that what you’re mastering is meaningful and contributes to a broader mission.
Practical Steps to Align Mastery and Purpose
1. Shift the Focus from Short-Term Results to Long-Term Growth:
Encourage employees (and yourself) to see their work as a continuous journey. Recognize achievements, but equally value learning and development that don’t have immediate outcomes.
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2. Create Learning-Oriented Development Plans:
Build career development initiatives that prioritize mastery over time. Offer training and development opportunities that encourage deep learning and skill refinement, rather than just preparing for the next quarterly review.
3. Connect Work to a Broader Purpose:
Help individuals see how their role fits into a larger mission. Whether it's within the company or in their personal values, aligning daily tasks with a sense of purpose makes the work more meaningful and sustainable.
4. Promote Recovery and Reflection:
Like athletes, employees and leaders need time for recovery. Constantly operating at full speed without moments of rest or reflection is unsustainable. Encourage regular breaks and personal check-ins to assess growth and adjust course as needed.
5. Encourage Purposeful Risk-Taking:
Mastery often requires stepping out of comfort zones. Support a culture where it’s safe to experiment, take risks, and learn from failures. This approach will foster innovation and long-term resilience.
Conclusion
By aligning mastery and purpose, we can escape the high-performance treadmill and build a work environment focused on long-term growth and fulfillment. The rewards of this alignment are both individual and organizational: professionals will find deeper satisfaction in their careers, while companies benefit from a more engaged, resilient, and continuously improving workforce.
Mastery is an infinite game, one that values the process over the results. Purpose provides the reason to keep playing, even when the going gets tough. Together, they create a powerful foundation for long-term success and well-being in today’s ever-evolving workplace.
* Note: I use " " to highlight "trap" here because it's only a trap if we walk this road without seeing it for what it is. There may be a good reason for you to play a high performance game, but knowing your own boundaries, rules and purpose for playing will help avoid getting caught in something you don't actually want.
From A Bit of Optimism: Mastery is an Infinite Game with performance psychologist Mike Gervais, 23 Jul 2024
Daniel Forsthofer, focusing on purpose can indeed foster resilience and deep satisfaction in our careers. how might one begin to align their actions with their core values?