Excellence Does Not Reside in Genes
I recently came across the book “Talent is Overrated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers From Everybody Else” by Geoff Colvin (published by Portfolio Books, a member of the Penguin Group). I have found in this book additional research evidence that has confirmed my beliefs and practice used in my coaching and training. In summary, achieving excellence in personal and professional performance is not predisposed by our genes, i.e. natural talents that we may be born with. Research findings confirm that if the top achievers have a particular talent, it may be irrelevant. What seems to be most relevant for achieving excellence and top performance relates to deliberate, continuously repeated practice designed specifically to improve performance, getting continuous (constructive) feedback on performance, regular setting of immediate goals to be achieved, using self-observation and self-evaluation. Finally, the most important action anyone striving for excellence can take is to look within themselves to understand what they really want and understand their core beliefs. Do they believe that if they do the work with immense effort and focus over longer period of time, they will eventually achieve the highest levels of achievements?
At Senior Executive Excellence, we use a variety of leading edge techniques for belief change that can make a significant difference in personal and professional performance and help individuals and teams to reach highest levels of performance.
September 23rd, 2011 at 8:04 am
Felt so hpoelses looking for answers to my questions…until now.