What is ‘high performance’?
One question I've been thinking about recently is: what is high performance? In the world of business, especially in product management, there’s a strong focus on measuring performance—both at individual and team levels. But let’s be honest: the definitions of “high performance” are often vague.
We hear phrases like, “What does good look like?” as if there’s some universal answer. In reality, it’s more complex, particularly for those navigating career transitions in product management or even getting into product roles for the first time.
Let’s dive into the details of what high performance really means and how you can apply it to your career or team.
Lessons from the Rugby Pitch
Flashback to 2004, I was playing for Folkestone Ladies Rugby Club. We had a crucial match against Vale of Lune, a game that could secure our promotion to the top league in women’s rugby union.
The night before, despite our coach Woody’s warnings, we indulged in more drinks than we should have. The next day was scorching, and many of us were feeling the effects. Long story short, we lost in the final moments because we weren’t at our best.
What did I learn about high performance from this?
Self-care is key: If you want to perform well, you need to look after yourself first.
Team performance is collective: It’s not just about one person’s actions, but how everyone contributes.
Resilience matters: A good team has a bad day, but a great team comes back stronger.
These lessons aren’t just relevant to rugby but apply equally in a high-performing product management team.
What Makes a High-Performing Team?
A while back I had an insightful conversation with Joseph Pelrine, a tech expert who has worked on agile methodologies and team dynamics. We talked about how to measure high performance in teams, especially in diverse work environments like product management.
Here are three key ingredients to high-performing teams:
Leadership: Strong, adaptable leadership is essential.
Empathy and communication: Team members need to connect and collaborate effectively.
Diversity: Teams with diverse perspectives and backgrounds—whether it’s gender, ethnicity, or neurodiversity—tend to be more innovative and resilient. This is especially critical in avoiding groupthink, which can be disastrous in fields like product management.
When hiring for product management roles, I always consider diversity. It’s not about ticking boxes; it’s about recognizing the unique strengths different people bring to the table.
Situational Leadership: Lessons from Space
If you’re looking for more insight into leadership and performance, check out Chris Hadfield’s Masterclass on space exploration. He talks about situational leadership, where each astronaut steps up to lead based on their area of expertise—whether that’s managing a medical emergency or fixing something on the International Space Station.
The takeaway? High performance doesn’t come from one person leading all the time. It’s about knowing when to step up and when to let others take the lead.
How to Foster High Performance in Your Team
So, how can you encourage high performance in your product management team? Start by focusing on:
Effective communication: Ensure everyone understands their role and how they contribute to the bigger picture.
Self-awareness and emotional intelligence: Help team members become more attuned to their own strengths and weaknesses.
Continuous learning: Encourage a growth mindset and foster an environment where people feel safe to take risks and make mistakes.
In product management, skills development is crucial for staying ahead. Whether you're looking to build a high-performing product team or boost your own performance as a product manager, the key is to focus on leadership, communication, and diversity.
