Performing under pressure: Cultivating the peak performance mindset for workplace excellence.

Abstract

Maintaining a competitive edge in the global marketplace demands that employees attain peak performance during pressure-filled situations. Pressures, such as the fear of criticism, high performance expectations, the perception of negative judgments from others, and personal attributions of failure are inherent to many activities including selling, negotiating, and delivering presentations. Despite the intense motivation to perform well under pressure, many individuals fail. However, the ability to perform exceptionally under pressure is a learned and acquired skill. Training used by sports psychologists that cultivates peak performance in athletes under pressure has shown promising evidence of learning transfer and applicability to the corporate domain. However, the exact methods and specific components of training remain inconsistent or anecdotal. This article reviews peak performance research, supports the notion that peak performance research in athletics can mediate corporate challenges, and provides coaches and consultants with a roadmap to conduct effective peak performance training in organizations.