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View from the top – developing a high performance attitude
If your organisation could build a picture of an ideal team member in these challenging times what would they come up with? It is likely to include people tuned into the right vision, flexible and adaptable, keen to learn and develop and ready to muck in and do the necessary without waving their job description around. No one would argue with any of that, but how do you measure up? It may be exactly where you feel you are, or possibly, you’re not quite there yet.
A high performer is not just someone who does their job well – they go beyond that. To be one you have to consistently exceed performance expectations, go beyond satisfactory and strive for excellence in standards and results. You do this by doing your job well but also by the way you conduct yourself. Think of your colleagues whom you would classify as top performers – it’s not just what they do but what they are like to be around. They are positive and forward looking, discerning and constructive in their criticism and tend to take an approach that says, “how can we make this work?” rather than “let me tell you 50 reasons why it won’t”. You don’t have to pick your times with them, nag or cajole them into getting things done, nor do you need to constantly hold their hand and mop their furrowed brow. In short, they are radiators, not drains.
At Sharpstone Skinner we regularly work with clients looking to develop themselves beyond where they are now, to meet the next set of challenges with energy and expertise.
Playing to your strengths is key if you wish to be successful. However, there’s an element of the “have a go hero” to the high performer. They know their strengths and their limitations, but they are prepared to dip their toe into the unknown if it means they and the organisation will gain as a result. So you need to be the one who doesn’t have your eyes down for a full house when senior people come looking for volunteers. Put your hand up to lead a new project, take part in a pilot and work across teams to achieve better results.
So, what if you’re a high performer in the making, but haven’t quite got there yet? (Or you have and no one seems to have noticed). Don’t despair. We work extensively with people suffering from untapped potential. You just need the right leadership, development and coaching to help you unlock your talents.
If you’ve already cultivated a high performance attitude, congratulations – you’ll be doing a lot of this anyway and it will show in your results. For you it is about maintenance and progress. Brilliance is only maintained with a bit of polish and regular care and that is where we come in.
Work with us – you’ll get even better.
Contact us to find out more