Top Performance

1. Build a Foundation of Integrity and Character

Your foundation determines how successful you will be.

Character is crucial. Integrity, character, values, and trust form the cornerstones of a good foundation for success. These qualities impact every aspect of our lives, from personal relationships to professional achievements. They determine our reputation and the advantages we gain in life.

Creativity completes the foundation. While character traits are essential, creativity pulls everything together. It allows us to innovate, solve problems, and stand out in our fields. Even in unexpected circumstances or mundane jobs, creativity can lead to unique solutions and opportunities for growth.

Key foundation elements:

• Integrity
• Character
• Values
• Trust
• Creativity

2. Look for the Good in Others and Expect the Best

You find what you look for in life.

Goodfinders succeed. Top performers learn to look for the good in each person they manage. This approach, exemplified by Andrew Carnegie, who developed 43 millionaires, involves focusing on people's strengths and nurturing their potential. It's about revealing others' riches to them rather than sharing our own.

Expect the best for optimal results. Our expectations often become self-fulfilling prophecies. By expecting the best from others, we create an environment that encourages growth and success. This positive outlook should be balanced with realism and a willingness to provide constructive feedback when necessary.

Benefits of being a goodfinder:

• Improved team morale
• Increased productivity
• Better relationships
• Enhanced problem-solving

3. Develop Loyalty to Yourself, Others, and Your Organization

You cannot give away something you do not possess!

Self-loyalty comes first. To be loyal to others and your organization, you must first be loyal to yourself. This involves maintaining a healthy self-image, continuously learning and growing, and taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. When you feel good about yourself, you can more effectively develop others and contribute to your organization.

Organizational loyalty is crucial. Loyalty to your organization doesn't mean blind acceptance of everything. It means handling disagreements appropriately, supporting the company's goals, and working to improve things from within. If you can't support your organization, it's better to find one you can support.

Ways to demonstrate loyalty:

• Continuous self-improvement
• Positive representation of the company
• Constructive problem-solving
• Commitment to organizational goals

4. Communicate Effectively and Understand Personality Types

Miscommunication, poor communication, or no communication will create problems.

Effective communication is key. The ability to communicate effectively is the most promotable quality in business. It involves not just speaking clearly, but also listening actively, understanding non-verbal cues, and adapting your communication style to different personality types.

Personality matters. Understanding different personality types can significantly improve your ability to manage and interact with others. Tools like personality profiles can help place the right people in the right roles and improve team dynamics.

Elements of effective communication:

• Clear and concise messaging
• Active listening
• Adapting to different personality types
• Understanding non-verbal cues
• Proper use of visual aids

5. Recognize and Reward Top Performance

Pride = Personal Responsibility In Daily Effort.

Recognition is essential. Everyone needs recognition, and top performers are no exception. Recognizing and rewarding excellent performance not only motivates individuals but also sets standards for others to aspire to. It's crucial to have a formal recognition program that aligns with company values and goals.

Rewards don't always mean money. While financial incentives can be effective, non-monetary rewards such as public recognition, increased responsibilities, or opportunities for growth can be equally motivating. The key is to understand what motivates each individual and tailor recognition accordingly.

Effective recognition strategies:

• Regular feedback on performance
• Public acknowledgment of achievements
• Personalized rewards
• Opportunities for growth and development

6. Motivate Yourself and Others Through the Four-A Formula

Motivation = the motives we take action on.

The Four-A Formula. To motivate yourself and others, use the Four-A Formula: Awareness, Assumptions, Analysis, and Action. This approach helps identify personal motivations, challenge assumptions, analyze situations objectively, and take decisive action.

Action is crucial. While understanding motivations is important, action is what ultimately leads to results. Remember that "action often precedes the feeling" - sometimes you need to act motivated before you feel motivated.

The Four-A Formula in practice:

1. Awareness: Understand your "why"
2. Assumptions: Challenge preconceived notions
3. Analysis: Educate yourself and others
4. Action: Take decisive steps towards goals

7. Balance Professional Success with Personal Growth

There can be no persevering industry without a deep sense of the value of time.

Holistic success matters. True top performance isn't just about professional achievements. It's about balancing career success with personal, family, and spiritual growth. This balance leads to more sustainable success and greater life satisfaction.

Invest in personal growth. Take time to grow personally through continuous learning, exercise, and maintaining strong relationships. Utilize tools like audiobooks during commutes or set aside time for reading and reflection. Remember that personal growth often translates into professional growth.

Ways to achieve balance:

• Start your day with intention (meditation, exercise, reading)
• Prioritize family time
• Continuous learning (audiobooks, courses, reading)
• Regular exercise and self-care
• Cultivate hobbies and interests outside of work

Last updated: October 27, 2024