Failure to perform at our peak is generally due to negative attitudes, procrastination, and our fear of change. The following peak performance principles should help you develop your own map for success whether you are serving the customer directly or managing a team that serves the customer.
Clearing
Since nature abhors a vacuum, practice clearing out the clutter on your desk, your files, or in your thinking. Make room for new opportunities. Make a list of anything you would be willing to toss out: old ideas, dated materials, duplicates, old notes you hoped to read someday. Throw out whatever you are no longer using or is no longer current and fresh. It takes some faith and trust to do it. When business slows down, I clean out my files. Inevitably I receive phone calls with offers of new business. It works, but it takes a risk to clean out the old.
Giving
When we give, we begin the flow of receiving. The expression, "What goes around, comes around," applies to our business as well as personal life. Whatever we give out seems to come back. I appreciate business leads from others, and I receive a good number of them because I practice giving leads to others. Be willing to donate your time, your mentoring and your help. There are many who can benefit from our giving. Give to customers and co-workers. When you see someone stressed trying to meet a deadline, see if you can help ease some of the tension by offering to help.
Excelling
Everyone has the potential for success. Some people undermine their own success because they don't believe they deserve it. High self-esteem often comes from achievement and our successes. Try the following three rules to increase your confidence, self-esteem and to attract more success:
- Love yourself 100% - assets as well as liabilities
- Acknowledge your uniqueness and your special talents.
- Don't take yourself too seriously. Learn to laugh at your mistakes.
Investing
Investing is based on the concept called "Seed Money." It means putting aside 10% for the future. Thousands of years ago, the farmers saved 10% of the crop for seed. Many successful people practice tithing or giving 10% of their income (after taxes) to a worthy cause. This reinforces the first two principles: it creates a vacuum, and it gets you into the flow of giving. Experiment for six months and watch the results. You can invest money, time, energy or all three. Do what's comfortable for you. When we invest extra time with our customers, we are saying that we care.
Affirming
Affirming means stating goals in positive language. "I will call ten prospects this week." "I will increase my calling by 20% over the next month." Express the goal as if it is already true. This is a positive way to program you mind. Affirm that your customers are fully satisfied and thinking positively about your service.
Visualizing
A few years ago, my husband was on a quiz show. The grand prize was a one week cruise for two. We cut out a picture of the cruise ship, mounted it on a poster-board, and wrote beneath it. "We are now enjoying our cruise." We studied this "visual treasure map" until the day of the quiz show. My husband won... the portable dishwasher. However, two months later our treasure map came true. We were asked to audition for a promotional film on a cruise line. We won the audition, a week's cruise in the Caribbean, and a two week cruise anywhere in the world. Visualizing goals is a powerful tool. Visualize yourself delivering peak performance service that makes customers smile.
Contributing
Remember that you are unique. You have something special to offer your customers, co-workers, family, and community. We all want to feel that we are making a difference, that we count. Successful people are those who contribute time, talent, or money to better the world.
These peak performance principles can work for you in enhancing your levels of service and in your own success. It takes a commitment to practice them, a new way of thinking to clear away the clutter, and a willingness to risk. Find ways to invest something in your future. Affirm and visualize your goals for success. And, share your talent with the world. Your contribution does make a difference.
Dr. Marilyn Manning, CMC, CSP is an international speaker, trainer, consultant and author who holds an M.A. in Social Science and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Psychology. She is a recognized expert in the areas of customer service, leadership, success strategies, high-productivity teams, and managing conflict, stress and change. She is the co-author of five books. For more informantion please feel free to contact her. She may also be reached at: Marilyn Manning, 945 Mountain View Avenue, Mtn. View CA 94040 (415) 965-3663 Fax (415) 965-3668 . E-mail drmmanning@aol.com;
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