Flow is more frequently found in sport for one simple reason. Flow, remember, is the performance sweet spot where you perform at your peak and it feels effortless – your capacity and challenge are within reach. Magic.
So, why is this performance dream state found more frequently in sport? Simple. Feedback in sport comes through more clearly from the work itself. When you are playing “the round of your life,” nobody has to tell you – the ball leaving your clubhead does it. When you are “in the zone,” the ball, as it leaves your hand, tells you it’s going in well before the crowd roars it’s approval. The best kinda feedback is always from the work itself. In the world of business we’ve become too reliant on feedback from other humans to put us in a state of optimal performance. We want others applause and appreciation. We are too focused on making friends. Oftentimes we don’t know how it feels when we’re peaking. We haven’t got a feel for flowing from performing whatever feat we’re on the hook for. So, we wait for the applause.
Today, my client learned that much of his audience’s applause is disengenuine. He knew this but he needed to hear it again. He’s got some work to do to tune into his work like an animal being stalked and figure out his state of flow like Tiger or MJ in their peak. You are no different. As a leader you are not likely to receive much honest feedback from those around you. Yup, it kinda sucks to lead anything. Fact.
What kinda feedback you getting from your work itself? How are you using it to improve? Who are your truth tellers that you validate/challenge your findings and help you turn ’em into PA?
BUILT TO LEAD 