The ability to perform under pressure is without doubt a key requirement of successful people. For top performers, pressure, rather than being an enemy to performance, is in fact a stimulant. Unless exposed to increasing levels of pressure it is unlikely we will raise our game. This is the difference between the mediocre and the elite. Whether it’s in rugby or in sales, in the classroom or learning to ride a bike we will only improve if we are prepared to raise the stakes.
So what is the difference between performing at a mediocre level or an elite level? It’s quite useful to consider this from three perspectives.
The first aspect has to do with EXPECTATION. If we don’t raise our expectations we will remain at the level we are at. Of course the way we raise expectation is important. Too much too soon or wishful unrealistic thinking isn’t helpful. It’s about taking little steps and putting the work in to be able to cope at a higher level. Sporting teams and individuals that are able to raise expectations in a way that excite and stimulate people will undoubtedly improve.
The second has to do with SCRUTINY. If we aren’t examining and tracking our performance and reviewing areas to improve then we are simply leaving things to luck. Luck is rarely consistent.
The third difference between mediocre or elite performance has to do with the level of CONSEQUENCE attached to the task we perform. Sometimes these are positive consequences like winning the competition, or getting the big deal, or conversely they can be negative consequences - the fear of and impact of losing. Whatever the case, consequences that are meaningful to people stimulate effort and performance levels.
So ESC (expectation, scrutiny, consequences) is crucial for raising performance. Sometimes these come from within us or sometimes from external places. And while most of us have a pattern in terms of which one we respond to most all three are equally important. A lack of one element can undermine performance.
ESC does in fact describe pressure. And when the pressure gets too much, when we reach our threshold, or we become overwhelmed, there is a possibility we will respond negatively. Levels of expectation can be so overwhelming they can divert people from the task at hand. Likewise, scrutiny.
Think of a time when a task you were normally able to perform became impossible when people watched. And so it is too with consequences. Being so desperate to win, or worried about losing can be overwhelming.
Being aware of what diverts you is incredibly helpful.
Being aware of our responses to pressure is also helpful. Some people under pressure become very AGGRESSIVE. This might mean snippy, or it might mean you try harder to tackle someone and lose your timing as a result, or you might speak too fast in a big meeting. Some people become quite PASSIVE and shrink away or go flat… Poor me… Not my job - you do it! And some people simply ESCAPE… I’m out of here! I’m not going to be in position to catch the ball! Too hard!
Spend some time to think about ESC – APE in your sport, school, job, family or day-to-day living.
Whether it’s when you get stuck in traffic or whether it’s playing a game of rugby in front of thousands of people, if you are aware of yourself going APE you will have more choice as to what you do. And over time you can be more conscious of your own personal pattern and practice not responding like that. If you are aware of what diverts you most E S or C then you have more control over weather you go APE or not before you even get in the position. You will be able to put in place alternative responses and focus on useful, helpful things.
If high performance is important to you and there is pressure then it is crucial to resource yourself to cope. It’s up to you.
Learning Points
High performance requires pressure
Pressure can cause poor performance by diverting attention
To succeed, structure and resources should be proportionate to pressure
Please contact gholmes@pengor.com if you would like more information
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