In this episode, Loehr described the fine line between optimal performance and shutdown. “I’m a big believer in data,” said Loehr, who has worked with more than 250,000 top performers from various fields including professional athletes, military special forces, and Fortune 100 executives. “And the single biggest takeaway is that the healthier someone is physically, emotionally and mentally, the more likely it is that their level of genius for their work will rise to the surface.”
Loehr is well aware that traditionalists may think such a philosophy is a bit too touchy-feeling to be effective; but he’s having none of it and says the data backs his belief that while mental toughness is important, it is also relative. “Every person has a limit to how much they can handle – how much adversity, stress and loss they can take before everything starts coming apart,” Loehr explained. The leader’s job, continues Loehr, is to “ignite the genius of their employees” by challenging them up to the edge of their capacity to keep them sharp and focused without going over the line.
The tricky part is that each team member will have a different line. But Loehr believes it’s imperative that leaders discern where those lines are and help individuals reach their potential by “raising the bar on health.”.
In the podcast, Loehr shares his philosophy and practical approaches to building healthy and high-performance teams, including:
"Don is one of the best storytellers I’ve ever met. I’ve known him for a long time and every time we talk I walk away wiser and more inspired. He is the best in the business at teaching you a skill – storytelling – that will last you a lifetime.”
“The ability for athletes to get hired is carried on through you because you are putting out the message that lessons learned from sports are important in life. It is embedded in this podcast, what you’re doing is significant.”
We speak the same language. I am inspired by the stories you tell, the people you have met, and the things you’ve done. Those of us that are competitors like to follow others that have been down that journey, so it is always fun talking to you!”
“Many of the leaders I have worked with were excellent athletes, and I think there is a direct correlation. You’re one of the few people that really has pursued this study, Don. Keep up the great work. What you are doing really makes a difference.”
“Don, you have mastered the skill of interviewing and asking great questions. That is a great skill all leaders need in order to understand their team members’ thought processes.”
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