Episode 74: Leading Your Team to Peak Performance

Karen talks with Graham Winter, founder of the consultancy Think One Team and three-time Australian Olympic team chief psychologist, about the myth that high performance requires long hours. They emphasize that well-being is crucial for achieving sustainable success and highlight the importance of finding a work rhythm that fosters productivity and avoids burnout. Ultimately, they redefine what it means to thrive in today’s demanding work environment. 

Key Takeaways:

The False Narrative of Long Hours: The common narrative that high performance and long hours are synonymous with success is false. There's a limit to productivity and creativity beyond which they decline. 

A-DEP Model for High Performance: True high performance is about achieving sustainable results through a balance of Achievement, Development, Enjoyment/Energy, and Partnerships/strong relationships. This is called the A-DEP model. 

Leader Awareness is Crucial: Leaders should be aware of these elements and reflect on where they stand in each area. Chasing achievement at the expense of others can create a culture of overwork and may lead to burnout. 

Recognizing Personal Limits: Awareness of your personal limits and tendencies is crucial. Perfectionism and people-pleasing can be strengths but also lead to overwork and stress if not managed. 

Discipline and Breaks: High performers need discipline, but often that discipline involves not doing things and taking breaks to recharge. 

Treat Yourself Like a High Performer: Treat yourself like a high performer and find what works best for you in terms of rhythm and environment. 

Importance of Prioritization: Prioritization is key. Working in focused sprints with clear goals and built-in breaks is more effective than getting bogged down in to-do lists and constantly pushing through exhaustion. 

The Role of Sleep: Sleep is a critical factor in performance and working relationships. Aim for a consistent sleep pattern and a ‘sleep budget’ to ensure you're getting enough rest. Journaling can be helpful as well. Writing down your thoughts and worries before bed can help clear your mind and improve sleep quality. 

Benefits of Exercise and Mindfulness: Exercise and mindfulness practices can also significantly improve cognitive function, well-being, and performance. 

Graham Winter Key Quotes 

"We've definitely entered that phase now in the workplace - thinking about it from a work point of view – (which) we know…from the research, that there's a certain limit and our level of productivity…goes, not only that drops away, but our creativity drops away as well."  

"When you are experiencing sustainable high performance, there will be four things in play. You will be achieving meaningful outcomes. You'll be doing something you feel successful at, so ‘stuff’ is happening. You'll be developing and growing. You'll be enjoying what you're doing and there will be energy coming in rather than just energy going out and you'll have key relationships around you that are partnering, collegiate relationships."  

"Treat yourself as a high performer. You're a unique person, so don't try and copy what somebody else does."  

Connect with Graham Winter on LinkedIn Now!