- U.S. Stocks Fall on Dubai Worries
- Black Friday at Best Buy
- Strategists on Dubai: Avoid 'Rash Moves' Now
- Longer Lines, Fuller Carts This Black Friday
- Dubai Stock Market Fear Has 'Legs': Dennis Gartman
- Obama's Emission Reduction Pledge Paints Future for Autos
- Is Super Bowl Halftime Act Too Old?
- Surprising Options Trades in TiVo Shares
- EA Sports Hopes to Pump Up Sales Through Pop-Up Locations
- UAE Central Bank Stands by Banks Amid Dubai Crisis
- UAE Markets Seen Limit Down on Monday Open
- Banks With The Biggest Exposure to The UAE
- Dubai's Debt Woes Signal New Era for Creditors
- US Treasury Wants Banks to Do More to Ease Mortgages
- Fed Audit Would Hurt Economic Prospects: Bernanke
- Next Week: Cash In Now Or Wait For A Santa Rally?
- Big US Banks May Be Forced to Raise Capital: Bove
- Tiger Woods Accepts Full Blame for Car Crash
Text Size 
Paul Hellman
Founder
Express Potential
A few years ago, I did a series of TV commentaries for a financial network. Later, I hired an actress to critique my work.
The actress said some complimentary things, which I remembered for approximately 10 seconds. Then she offered some constructive advice:
“You need to be more like the actor, Marlon Brando.”
This I believed completely. I always believe corrective feedback - even when it makes no sense. Some might call that a character flaw, and, of course, I’d agree completely.
“Excuse me?” I asked.
“Marlon Brando was famous for mumbling. Sometimes he sounded like he had marbles in his mouth.”
“You want me to put marbles in my mouth?” I asked.
“No,” she said, “but you’re over-enunciating the words. I want you to be more nonchalant. Brando’s attitude was, ‘Hey, I’m Marlon Brando! If you can understand what I’m saying, great; if not, too bad.’”
From this feedback I derived a theory about peak performance. I call it “Loose-Tight.”
“Tight” means setting high standards and striving to do your best. Tight is familiar to high-performers. Tight is your inner mountain-climber.
“Loose” means letting go and relaxing. Once the show starts, whatever happens, happens. Loose is your beach bum.
To be exceptional – whether giving a presentation, interviewing for a job, or just doing your daily work – you need both.
Suppose you’re giving a presentation. “Tight” means you’ll be well prepared. But if you’re too tight, you’ll sound scripted and tense.
“Loose” means you’ll be good at improvising. But if you’re too loose, your audience will question your gravitas.
So you need the combination, but it’s not a 50-50 split. Start with tight. Put in the time, effort and discipline to master your performance. Practice, practice, practice.
Then, if necessary, get some marbles.
Tip: Peak performance isn’t just about stressing and straining. It’s also about letting go.
More Executive Strategies Including:
______________________________________________
Consultant, author, speaker, and founder of express potential® (www.expresspotential.com), Paul Hellman has worked with CEOs, executives, and managers at leading companies for over 25 years to improve performance and productivity at work. His latest book is “Naked at Work: How to Stay Sane When Your Job Drives You Crazy,” and his columns have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post and other leading papers.
Comments? Send them to
Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes