By Micah L. Janus, Ph.D.
My friend and colleague, Gloria Wright, Ph.D. , has spent the last 15 years studying peak performers. Her important and groundbreaking research identifies characteristics unique to peak performers. Her investigation also differentiates among peak performers, workaholics and average performers.
Dr. Wright's comprehensive study can hardly be summarized within the confines of this byline. Nonetheless, she makes several generalizations that the reader will, I am confident, find interesting.
In All Shapes and Sizes
No doubt a comfort to most of us, she found that peak performers represent every socioeconomic group and are found at all levels of the work force and, I hasten to add, in the volunteer sector, as well. So, you do not have to be a CEO or hold a professional degree in order to qualify as a peak performers. In fact, many high level types are actually workaholics, not peak performers at all.
Constant Learners
Peak performers may or may not have a lot of formal education or an impressive resume. But, they are all characteristically driven to learn. They are insatiably curious and exhibit, even as they age, a natural sense of wonder. Their comfort with not knowing is a sign of open-mindedness, as they yearn to question and explore.
Spiritual Foundation
While the subject of religion and spirituality is, for the most part, taboo in the work place, it is, according to Dr. Wright, of central importance to peak performers. Unlike her sample of workaholics and average performers, the peak performers in her study consistently professed to have a meaningful spiritual relationship, expressed as a deep sense of faith that is fully integrated into both their lives and their work. Many described themselves as having a strong spiritual, core connection that fueled and directed their functioning at their highest level.
Authenticity Is the Watchword
Not only do peak performer have an unwavering spiritual faith, they also possess a firm faith in themselves and their abilities. Of course, they have their failings, ordeals and problems, as we all do, but they hold fast to their belief that things will work out. Their self-image is based upon a realistic appraisal of strengths and limitations. Peak performers are able to accept themselves as they are, without becoming complacent about the ever-present motive to improve. Authenticity is their watchword. The feelings and thoughts that they express are congruent with their values and beliefs.
Self Diagnosis
Dr. Wright suggests that individuals ponder the following 4 questions in order to begin evaluating ones peak performance tendencies: (1) Does you work reflect you full potential? (1) Is your life in balance? Specifically, do you make time for work, family, friends, quiet reflection, exercise and other interests? (3) Do you enjoy your work? (4) Do you fell supported by your relationships in your work environment?
Dr. Janus is co-founder and President of
CareeRx.com, an online career testing, career counseling and coaching service.
