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the monday message
High Performer Angst
I so enjoy working with high performers (HPs). They perceive their world and themselves differently from others. One of the HPs in a firm where I conduct the Partner-Pipeline program sent me an email that is typical and thought it would be useful to you. I’m...
Your Weaknesses are Irrelevant
I’ve spent a good bit of my career training and coaching people like you to become high performers. As a result, I’ve come to realize that there is not one way, but many ways to be successful. What works for some won’t work for others. If you’re not successful one...
I Don’t Under-Communicate
Why is it that you can recall dozens times when others have not communicated well or timely with you, but you struggle to identify even one instance where you under-communicated? Ok, maybe that one time. But otherwise, you’re pretty good. Or so you think. If I were to...
The ONE Success Trait
Whenever you see someone who has achieved a measure of success, you try to figure out what made them successful. So you identify all the things they had going for them. But those reasons really don't explain it because others who weren’t successful have had those same...
Calibrate Your Immediacy
Some things are really hard to teach because they are as much about natural ability as they are about skill and behavior—things like boldness, empathy and critical thinking. They are the small capabilities that make a big difference related to high performance and...
Concern Beneath the Question
A younger associate accompanied a partner to several prospect meetings just to observe and learn. After several such meetings, he noticed that the partner would follow up with the prospects using various points of emphasis that seemed to really resonate with them. How...
You Cause Underperformance
The number one reason there is underperformance around you is because of you, not anyone else. Whether you’re a partner dealing with managers or an associate dealing with interns, you’re not dealing with the underperformance of others. So much so, that YOU OWE THEM AN...
3 Practices of High Performers
Whenever I hear a manager or partner describe someone as a high performer, I ask what it is that makes them so. Are they smarter? Do they work longer? Are they more likeable? None of the above. Inevitably, people tell me that their high performers engage in three...
Reach Higher
When you are at your best, you are really good. Others have experienced it and you know when you’ve done it. It is a fulfilling experience and others benefit. However, once done, a new standard is established and others expect it of you. The problem is that if you...
Exit the Daily Grind
I really enjoy sports and the ways athletes keep their heads in the game to overcome discouragement, maintain perseverance and break through malaise. At a certain level of competition, talent is less a factor and the mental game takes over. You are no different. It’s...
