The term 'performance' carries an array of connotations. For us to sharpen our performance, it is critical to cultivate a balanced approach. This equilibrium can be fine-tuned further by breaking performance down further into 3 complementary categories: strategic performance, tactical performance, and innovative performance.
How Performance Relates to Personal Effectiveness
Consider this interpretation of the word 'performance' for a moment:
noun
While the second definition aligns more with our discussion, the concept of performance itself, in its nature, is an act of presenting.
A successful presentation calls for a harmonious blend of diverse skills. This encompassing balance requires emotional, intellectual, and organizational awareness. Cultural aspects and individual values play crucial roles. Finally, to accomplish desired outcomes, one must have a robust system in place, delineated by clear goals and key performance indicators.
Performance can be seen as the outward expression of personal effectiveness. The ability to perform strategically, tactically, and innovatively is a direct reflection of an individual's personal effectiveness, demonstrated by their ability to navigate and succeed in personal, professional, and organizational settings.
The 3 Types of Performance
Let's dissect performance these more granular segments of performance:
Strategic Performance
Strategic Performance involves crafting the optimal path to the desired outcomes. It requires a high-level perspective that rises above the minutiae to grasp the big picture. While it may seem obvious, the challenge lies in maintaining regular and disciplined attention to this approach. Herein, we set goals, identify prerequisites and their sequence, aligning them with our personal, professional, and organizational aspirations.
Strategic performance should not be about working excessively or relentlessly but instead, it should be about working smartly and purposefully. Clarity in understanding your purpose and mission is a crucial ingredient for success. An impeccable strategy is essential, but without fervent tactical implementation and the capacity to innovate, it is hollow.
Tactical Performance
Tactical Performance is where strategy translates into action. With the strategy in place, it's time to roll up our sleeves and start working. Systems alleviate the majority of the workload, with us stepping in to manage the unpredictable elements that arise. Success dashboards and KPIs guide tactical performance, requiring updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) manuals and checklists.
Consider the aviation industry as a practical illustration: despite the countless flights they've piloted, the flight crew diligently adheres to their pre-flight checklists. The system handles the majority of the workload here, ensuring success tactically. However, the process demands dedication to yield the desired results. Mere box-ticking or mindless adherence to routines doesn't equate to success.
Innovative Performance
Innovative Performance is vital for longevity. The danger of a rigid implementation of strategy and tactics lurks in stagnation. This is where innovation and creativity come into play, fuelling the momentum. The strategic planning process generates the necessary information, forming the basis for innovation. It fosters internal confidence, intuition, and decision-making capabilities, preparing you for unanticipated situations.
Innovation, creativity, and the Art of the Pivot make up the essence of this performance attribute. Not a frantic, reckless pivot, but a quality, high-performance-based, disciplined infusion of innovation and creativity when necessary.
A Balanced Approach to Mastering Your Performance
Achieving superior performance requires a blend of all the above facets. It's not easy, but the process is simple. Only a few manage to cultivate this balanced approach to performance, while others remain ensnared in mediocrity, often attributing their lack of success to external factors.
The silent element here is self-awareness and emotional intelligence. These pillars are the true multipliers in the equation of performance. It's about devising a system and having the discipline to stick to it.
An impartial third party's input can often be the catalyst in this system. Coaching can be a powerful tool to elevate your performance at personal, professional, and organizational levels. Remember, lifelong learning and coaching are essential components in the quest for outstanding performance.
