The business world is a notoriously difficult place to live. There is a lot of politics, late working hours, strict deadlines, nasty employees, and so on. We at MyMentalCoach as Sports Psychologists understand your challenges, therefore we’ve compiled a list of 5 behaviors of high performers in the corporate world to assist you reach peak performance.
What is a High-Performing Employee?
A high-performing employee is someone productive, reliable, and at the same time mindful of their boundaries so that they don’t feel burnt out overworking.
Productivity: High performers consistently deliver quality work, meeting or exceeding deadlines. They prioritize tasks effectively, manage their time well, and possess the skills necessary to get things done efficiently.
Research by Deloitte suggests that high performers are often 2-3 times more productive than average employees.
Reliability: These individuals are dependable and trustworthy. They take ownership of their work, meet commitments, and consistently deliver on their promises. This builds trust with colleagues and managers, fostering a sense of security and stability within the team.
Work-Life Balance: Unlike workaholics who might burn out quickly, high performers understand the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries between work and personal life. They prioritize activities outside of work, allowing them to recharge and return with renewed focus and energy.
Studies by Harvard Business Review have shown that employees who achieve a healthy work-life balance report higher levels of well-being, creativity, and overall job satisfaction, ultimately leading to sustained high performance.
You can read this article titled,” What Do We Really Mean by Peak Performance?” and learn all about peak performance and how to achieve it.
What are the 5 Habits of High Performers in the Corporate World?
Here are 5 habits of high performers in the corporate world, supported by empirical research:
- Goal-Setting and Prioritization:
High performers are laser-focused on achieving their goals. They set clear, measurable objectives and prioritize tasks strategically.
A study by Locke & Latham (2002) demonstrated that specific and challenging goals lead to significantly higher levels of performance compared to vague or easy goals.
- Continuous Learning and Development:
They are never satisfied with the status quo and actively seek opportunities to learn and improve their skills.
Research by Deakin & Crook (2009) found a strong correlation between employee development programs and increased job performance, innovation, and employee retention.
- Effective Communication and Collaboration:
High performers understand the power of teamwork and communication. They excel at conveying ideas, actively listening to others, and building strong relationships with colleagues.
A study by Gallup (2017) reported that teams with highly engaged employees (who effectively communicate and collaborate) experience 21% greater profitability.
- Resilience and Growth Mindset:
Setbacks are inevitable, but high performers view challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. They possess a growth mindset, believing that their abilities can be developed through effort and practice.
Research by Dweck (2006) has shown that a growth mindset leads to increased perseverance, motivation, and achievement in the face of obstacles.
- Self-care and Work-Life Balance:
While dedicated to their work, high performers prioritize their well-being. They understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and engaging in activities that reduce stress and promote physical and mental health.
Studies by the American Psychological Association (2017) have shown that employees who achieve a healthy work-life balance experience lower stress levels, higher job satisfaction, and improved overall performance.
Read this article by Harvard Business Review titled,” Work-Life Balance Is a Cycle, Not an Achievement”. This article aptly explains how work-life balance is an ongoing process and not something that is once and for all achievable.
While striving for excellence is a key trait of high performers, it’s crucial to find a balance that prevents burnout. Here’s why:
- Sustainability:
Setting exceptionally high goals that are constantly out of reach can be demotivating. Research by Cary Cooper & Taruvinga Magnavita (2017) highlights the link between unrealistic expectations and workplace stress.
By setting achievable yet challenging goals, high performers can celebrate progress, maintain momentum, and achieve sustained success.
- Individuality:
The most effective habits are those that resonate with you. Some individuals may thrive under intense pressure, while others perform best in a more balanced environment.
The key is to experiment and discover what approach works best for your unique personality and work style.
- Well-being:
Remember, high performance isn’t just about work output. Prioritizing activities outside of work that bring you joy and reduce stress is essential for maintaining mental and physical well-being.
Mayo Clinic shows that employees who prioritize well-being experience increased focus, creativity, and resilience – all qualities that contribute to long-term success.
Dive farther! With this video, you can learn even more high-achieving habits: “5 Habits of High Performers.”
MyMentalCoach strongly believes in all these values and habits mentioned above and we also understand it’s easy to read and write about these things than implement them in real life.
That is why, we work with corporate performers to create personalized training programs for your critical thinking weaknesses. We use an empirically backed assessment to pinpoint areas for improvement and guide you toward success.
Contact this number +91 9823791323 to get your personalized mental training session now!
Concluding Lines
Corporate life can be a pressure cooker, filled with challenges and demands. But don’t let the initial hurdles dishearten you. Remember, even the most successful individuals faced similar struggles. By adopting the 5 habits outlined in this article, you can develop the resilience and skills needed to not only survive but thrive in this environment.
The key is to remember that tough phases are temporary. If you’re currently facing difficulties, hold onto hope. With dedication and the right approach, you can overcome these obstacles and build a successful and fulfilling career. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, MyMentalCoach is here to support you. We’ll be your partner in navigating the corporate world and unlocking your full potential.