Distraction-Proof® Advisor Ideas

2008 Preparing for Excellence Series – Issue 7

Only six months until the 2008 Olympics begin. In preparing for your own excellent results, how’s your “build-up” for August 2008 going? Now is time to focus in on some finer points.

In an Olympic swimming final there’s not much that separates the 3 medalists from the other 5 finalists. Likewise, in today’s business environment there’s usually not much that separates the top one or two brands in a field, or the top revenue producers in an office.

But what differences there are certainly invite analysis. One key distinction between consistent high level achievers and those who seem to regularly, narrowly miss their goals is poise.

Poise is defined as a calm, self-assured dignity, a stable state of balance. We recently witnessed Eli Manning showing poise in winning this year’s Super Bowl. His team was the underdog, with their opponents, the New England Patriots, having had a perfect season record and expecting to win the Super Bowl to cap off their incredible, history-making season. Manning knew that he had to have a supreme game to stand a chance against the undefeated Patriots.

Poise isn’t so obvious when everything is going right; you see it when the pressure is on. With little time left in the game, and New England leading, Manning’s remarkable poise and presence of mind stood out. He didn’t panic, but stayed focused when it counted most, moving confidently and with conviction toward the last seconds of the game, and more importantly, toward victory.

That’s poise: being self-aware, self-assured, and confident during the most important, most critical moments. Poise means keeping your composure when you have many justifiable reasons to lose it, so that you execute your job flawlessly in that crucial split second.

Other finalists, or top producers, might show control often and may exhibit resolve regularly, but those with poise maintain that self control and resolve under pressure – all the time – making the difference between a medalist and a runner-up.

The good news is that poise can be developed by observing people who have it, by continually evaluating and adjusting your own behavior, and by striving to ensure that you seize every opportunity to perform at your best.

Take 5 minutes to:

• Evaluate the areas in your life where you need poise the most.
• Slow down in these situations and environments before responding.
• Think through your response and delivery before saying the first word.
• Deliver your words with clarity and conviction.

Wishing you poise under pressure!
– Paul

Copyright Paul Kingsman 2008
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Learn how to develop poise from an Olympic medalist! Paul Kingsman – Olympic medalist, professional speaker and executive coach – works with his clients to help them to help them succeed under pressure. To find out more about how he can equip you or your team for Split Second Success® through keynote speaking or executive coaching, contact him at http://www.paulkingsman.com.

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