What makes a high performer?

If you are following me and reading this, you are likely interested in leadership and high performance.

But what makes a high performer? What are the qualities I observe in the elite athletes, sports coaches, and most successful founders I have worked with?

1. They are all driven by a purpose, one they can clearly articulate

2. They have intense self-reflection and a desire to improve

3. They are innately curious and aren't afraid to try something new/take risks

4. They build a team of mentors, coaches, trusted friends, and colleagues who can challenge, support, and help guide them

Most importantly, the most universal trait I see in the highest performers is their ability to regulate their emotions. To locate where they are in times of stress and challenge and be able to CHOOSE how they want to show up to be their most effective.

This calmness under pressure allows them to see opportunities, instead of getting drawn into unnecessary conflicts and distractions so they can stay focused on their longer-term goals.

Note that I didn't say they were unemotional. In fact, it’s often the opposite. They are highly emotional and passionate, and instead of being captive to their emotions, they use them as data to guide their choices. It’s a skill I’m still working on today in my personal men’s group.

How good are you at spotting and regulating your emotions so you don’t get hooked by distractions?

What do you have in place to give you the reflections, guidance and support you need?

I still fondly remember my first true manager, Brian Huggins who I worked with in my corporate Real Estate career back in the UK. He was masterful at giving you the room to grow and succeed, while holding you accountable to what you were capable of and leading you to grow. He fostered a sense of competition among his leaders, yet it always felt like us against the world rather than us against each other.