As careers progress and expectations around performance and results increase; some executives are confiding that their work capacity and motivation decreases exponentially.
I call it “The Gap”: the space between what people think they are capable of doing versus that which they are actually capable of doing, and is a situation which can place the executive at greater risk of physical and emotional health issues.
“With a 20-plus-year history caring for the health and wellbeing of some of Australia’s leading executives, we see executives’ concerns around performance and motivation is definitely on the rise.”
However, The Gap is not just increased workloads, ever increasing life pace, and 24 hour connectivity are factors in creating this state of play. If we review the statistics around key performance markers and business deliverables for executives in our top tier health and wellbeing programs, a pattern emerges showing for some. A higher expectation of the individual often results in a comparative disconnection.
Executives experiencing these type of personal motivation and productivity concerns will mask them for a time, but will end up in my rooms seeking advice and a way back to the behaviours that originally gave them the opportunity to reach the top of their field.
“They appreciate the good news that the gap can be managed, but are often surprised when I tell them that age isn't to blame and the answer is definitely not working more.”
For those executives who feel they have lost their ability to operate at a high performance level, we stop and review not just the big ticket items in regards to their physical and emotional health, but a range of key lifestyle markers and behaviors to create an effective lifestyle blueprint for them to manage this gap.
“It’s an approach to performance that top level athletes have realised for years: if you want to operate at the very top of your field, you must consider all those factors which impact your output.”
Which is why our programs don’t just tick the boxes for monitoring an individual’s key medical benchmarks – we are the scaffolding supporting modern age leaders to be strong, capable, collaborative and flexible.
One approach that works well with our holistic approach to executive health and wellbeing is to focus on eight key areas which we call the: 8H Habits of high performing humans.
Health, Hobbies, Holidays, Happiness, Hugging, Higher Authority, Helping and Hope.
THE “8H” TEMPLATE FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE HUMANS:
Health: our big ticket item that is the primary focus for the executive health programs including exercise, diet, sleeping habits, along with covering off the tests recommended for specific age group and risk profiles.
Hobbies: are a form of meditation. Any activity that demands your extended awareness creates a focused mind and improves concentration.
Holidays: are vital to recharge mentally and physically. The type of holiday and the time taken away from the desk an equally important in the effectiveness of taking a break.
Happiness: understanding the impact of relationships and social networks on your emotional health.
Hugging: and human touch encourages empathy, calmness, and a sense of belonging.
Higher Authority: coaches, confidants and mentors keep us inspired and motivated.
Helping: others enriches the individual creating a sense of passion and purpose.
Hope: humans with a sense of hope will always find a reason to keep going even in the toughest of circumstances.
Executives under our care who adopt these “8H” lifestyle markers can create the optimum plan for their physical and mental health, returning their motivation and ability to perform at the highest levels, and manage “The Gap”