Performing well is more than just completing a task—it’s a complex challenge we’re tackling today: improving performance within our organization.
Context shapes the challenge
Nothing is set in stone, and performance is no exception. Growth and success aren’t just individual goals—they’re deeply connected to the teams and environments we’re part of. Sharing knowledge and working together amplify what we can achieve. So, how much we improve depends a lot on where our organization stands and the strength of our team. Individual talents matter, but the team’s power matters more.
Just like in marathons, pace matters
Running a marathon teaches us that performance depends on pacing and knowing how to adjust it to the situation. The same goes for today’s world—complex, uncertain, and always changing. One thing we can still control is pace—our own and that of our people.
A key question to reflect on is: Who sets the pace for our team?
Let’s think about:
- What practices or examples can inspire us?
- Who on our team is driving momentum and making things happen? Keep in mind this role can shift, depending on the task and context.
- Who is moving forward steadily, and who might be falling behind?
How do we create impact?
It’s also crucial to recognize how our group influences outcomes—for customers and colleagues alike. We need to understand what worked well. Completing a task is important, but how we get it done and how we communicate it matters even more.
Once we understand the impact, we should focus on what succeeded and its ripple effects:
- What can we do to find or take on more opportunities where we shine?
- How were team and individual skills used, and was it efficient?
- What helped accelerate learning, and what should be a lesson for next time?
- What made the experience rewarding?
- Are there parts of this success we can repeat in future work?
Helping people and teams spot and reflect on their performance boosts engagement and builds a culture of growth and trust.
