I am often confronted with the question “Why are you sending these blogs to me? I’m not an executive!” from those non-business executives to whom I forward ECU blogs. After all, we are the “Executive Coaching University”, so all our material is targeted only to those seen as business executives, right? Wrong!
In my mind the term “executive” is more adjective than noun – it describes how someone approaches her life rather than who she is and is synonymous with “peak performer”…someone who desires to live life at the highest level possible.
An executive/peak performer:
- Executes – high level performers execute. They engage the “Ready, Fire, Aim” process of prepare, take action, adjust action that creates greater amounts of positive energy and results, rather than the conventional “Ready, Aim, Fire”…recognizing the majority of people get stuck at “Aim” and never take the action needed. Ever seen a mom or dad juggle one or more toddlers? That’s as high performance execution as you will see in any boardroom or courtroom!
An executive/peak performer:
- Is inside-out focused – high level performers understand that our external environment mirrors our internal developmental level. In other words, high level performers focus on themselves and drive towards their personal “A-game” rather than continuously looking outside of themselves for responsibility, accountability, and solutions. Think of the slogan “An Army of One” – each individual piece striving to be at their peak, coalescing into a high performing group entity.
An executive/peak performer:
- Is gritty – high level performers seek out opportunities to cultivate grit, that mix of determination, passion, and perseverance that allows us to drive through obstacles.
An executive/peak performer:
- Is neuroscience savvy – high level performers understand how the brain and body work to create the results desired. Without that knowledge we abdicate our creative power to the unconscious, habit and live our lives on auto pilot.
An executive/peak performer:
- Constantly seeks to self-improve – the high level performer understands that human beings are biologically designed for constant growth and change, yet psychologically drive towards homeostasis and comfort. Therefore, high level performers continuously look for opportunities for growth and recognize the motivation for that growth must initially come from within. They push themselves to “reach” as often as possible.
An executive/peak performer:
- Is anchored by values and integrity – the high level performer knows what they value and utilize those values as foundation for their decision making and actions. Integrity is a cornerstone of the high performers psyche – they embody the saying “Always do the right thing, even if nobody else is looking.”
High level performers wear many different hats and hold many different roles within our society. Yet, they share the characteristics outlined above.
If you are reading this you are an executive regardless your official “title”!
Welcome executive – now pass it on to your brother and sister high performers!
Find out more about Greg here.
Are you an executive/peak performer? Please tell us why below.
This program will help you become an even better peak performer!
Coaching In The Workplace
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