Where Performance Lives

(Excerpts from “Three Laws of Performance”)

People often look for performance gains in the wrong place: in trying to force conversations before making space for them

Specific actions to tap the second law of performance:

1. Become aware of your persistent complaints, about people, and situations. Notice that they cycle through your internal voice
2. Notice that these complaints are interpretations of facts, not facts themselves
3. See all the four elements of rackets: (i) The persistent complaint, (ii) the set way of behaving, (iii) the payoff, and (iv) the cost. See your rackets at work. We all have them
4. Probe into situation by writing down everything you need to say to others, including anything you need to say, anything you need to forgive or be forgiven for, anything you need to take responsibility for, or anything you need to give up (including the complaint in itself)
5. Communicate what you discover to others in your work and life. This final action has been found to have dramatic impact on performance

To be continued …