What Is The Difference Between The Average And The High Performer?

A recent project revealed some interesting perspectives which we share with you below. We looked to profile a wide range of executives, both managers and senior specialists, across the whole performance spectrum and looked at six approaches they use to inform their work style.

As you can see the differences are quite marked. The High Performer (HP) has a very different perspective compared to the Average Performer (AP). Our summary came down to three major conclusions:

1. The HP puts themselves at the centre of things. They are prepared to own their circumstances and then seek to influence them. The AP seems to be more controlled by their circumstances.


2. The HP has an agenda, not simply to survive in the role but to achieve something more. We found this a more complex issue than simply calling it career ambition. Many HPs don’t seem to be overtly interested in that definition. It seemed to be more about wanting to transcend their environment in some way, to make it better, more productive, more enjoyable, more something; but never to just accept it. Changing not maintaining their environment was a key driver.


3. The HP was more self confident about their ignorance and lack of understanding. The AP either tried to disguise it or to hold up their lack of knowing something as a badge of honour.

What is interesting, is when these differences are articulated, indentifying people by these approaches can become a predictor of performance as much as reflection.

If you would like to find our more about Structured Training’s work on developing high performers contact us on 01789 734300.