High performing – what does it actually mean?
It got me thinking: what does high performance mean?
It’s a term thrown around in the workplace, but do we all have the exact definition?
More often than not, I feel like I’m juggling multiple balls, attempting to keep them in the air.
Projects, deadlines, meetings, emails, calls—it’s a constant balancing act—and that’s just for work. Then add life onto that: kids, family, home, health—the list goes on.
But is that what makes someone high-performing? The ability to multitask without dropping the ball? Maybe, but I think there’s more to it.
Setting goals and smashing them?
I love a good goal. There’s something satisfying about setting a target and then obliterating it. But high performance isn’t just about achieving goals – it’s about setting the right goals and consistently exceeding expectations. It’s not just what you do but how you do it.
Excelling at what you do?
Now we’re getting warmer. High performance often means being great at your job. It’s about bringing your A-game daily, continuously improving, and setting the bar higher for yourself and others. But in truth, excellence alone doesn’t capture the entire picture.
Having endless energy and always doing everything?
Ah, the myth of the superhuman worker who never tires and takes on every task. Let’s burst that bubble right now. High performance isn’t about burning the candle at both ends. It’s about working smarter, not just harder. It’s knowing when to say no and when to delegate.
So, what does high-performing mean to me?
After some reflection, I’ve come to see high performance as a combination of factors:
- Consistency: Delivering quality work reliably, day in and day out.
- Adaptability: Being able to pivot and thrive in changing circumstances.
- Impact: Not just doing things, but doing things that matter and move the needle.
- Growth mindset: Constantly learning, improving, and pushing personal boundaries.
- Self-care: In my experience, consistently high performers understand the importance of recharging and maintaining a work-life balance.
- Collaboration: Elevating not just your work but the work of those around you.
- Resilience: Taking setbacks as an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Gratitude: Being grateful for those around you who allow you to do all this.
It’s not about being perfect or superhuman—I know I am neither. It’s about showing up, giving your best, and making a real difference in your work and home life and the lives of those around you.
Next time someone describes you as “high-performing,” take a moment to appreciate it, reflect on what it means, and consider how you make it your own.
Remember, actual high performance isn’t just about what you achieve. It’s about how you achieve it and the impact you make along the way.
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