How to Get Peak Performance

A friend of mine has written a book called A-ha! Performance, which describes how to build and manage a self-motivated workforce.  In it, he has what he calls the CAP Buy-in process, three integral aspects that, when combined properly, more or less guarantee peak performance.

The three parts are Clarity, Attainability, and Payoff.  Here’s how it works:

1. If as managers we are clear and concise in our communication, our associates can understand the goal – the desired end state – we want to achieve.
2. The goal must be attainable.  In other words, our associates must believe a desired performance is possible and have the talent and resources necessary to achieve it.
3. There must be some form of payoff when the goal is reached.  It could be in the form of a “carrot,” like a tangible reward or incentive, but more likely (and more powerfully) will simply be the deep personal satisfaction of a job well done (results), or praise from an important person (a key relationship).

If any one of these three aspects: Clarity, Attainability, or Payoff is missing, performance will diminish, or worse yet, the goal will not be achieved.  You can also think of it this way:

• Clarity is what you want done.
• Attainability is the belief that it can be done, that there is a how to doing it.
• Payoff is why you want it done, and clarity around the reason for doing it.

A big mistake of owners and managers is failing in one (or more) of these three areas when it comes to getting the buy-in of their associates and achieving peak performance.
Want to learn more about how to build and manage a self-motivated workforce?  Buy the book!  A-ha Performance by Douglas Walker.  It’s a winner.

Here are a few Business & Life Tips to think about…..

Business Tips:

• Want to lead well? Then communicate well, and often, with your staff. They need your input. It’s a two-way street.
• Integrity, intelligence, and energy are vital to success, but without the first, the result will be disastrous.
• Price and Value: There is a limit to the amount you can price something, but no limit on the amount of its value.

Life Tips:

• If we know that FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real, why do we so often lack the courage to face our fears?
• Success can fill us with pride and arrogance. It can make us feel impervious to failure. Confidence, not over-confidence, is good.
• We like being connected, so we develop relationships. And we want certain intimacy, yet fear being vulnerable. Be transparent.

Here are a couple past articles written by Bill:

A Team, and a Player

How’s Your Communication?

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