Book Review: High Performance Habits: How extraordinary people become that way, by Brendon Burchard
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By C. Plonien, DNP, RN, CENP
As a nurse leader, learning never ends. Continually, nurse leaders move toward mastery in leadership and management, utilizing knowledge and developing wisdom to help others and organizations achieve success.
TONL Monthly begins a series of book reviews focusing on leadership with application of information supportive of learning needs of nurse leaders from novice to expert.
This month’s book review is High Performance Habits: How extraordinary people become that way, by Brendon Burchard.
High performance is an attribute all nurse leaders seek as they progress through a professional career while managing their vision and mission in life.
Some characteristics of high performers include:
High performers consistently succeed beyond expectations, breaking through standard norms.
High performers adapt as a servant leader, influencing people, adding value to those around them.
High performers love challenges.
High performers are passionate about their work, extending energy beyond traditional rewards.
High performers have multiple skill sets, complementing their expertise.
High performers extend the quest of high performance into all areas of life. Statistically, high performers are happy, promote positive relationships and are healthier than their peers.
The teachings of Brendon Burchard begin with extensive original research of high performers in more than 190 countries. His work highlights that high performance is not related to age, career, career, strengths, or personality. The ability to perform at high levels of performance is not a gift that is bestowed at birth to a chosen few. At a personal level, high performance is not related to who you are. It is correlated to the consistency of “what is done.” with what is known. High performance is a choice, coming from specific deliberate habits learned and practiced. Burchard discovered six habits that matter the most in reaching and attaining long term success in performance. Referred to as HP6 (High Performance 6), the habits relate to clarity, energy, necessity, productivity, influence and courage. Burchard’s book includes actionable advice in how leaders can grow in each of the HP6 habits.
A lesson in learning significant to me as a reader relates to the first Habit – Seeking Clarity – identifying pertinent goals and knowing why and where to invest time. Of note, high performers understand the importance of relevance. I have a habit of saying yes too often, frequently to be helpful. Sometimes I continue time commitments to activities that are no longer relevant to what will provide the most value to those I serve. As a people-pleaser, recognizing the relevance of “relevance” and letting go of attachments and opportunities unrelated to goals is a deliberate HP6 habit to practice as I move toward higher levels of performance.
Burchard, B. (2017). High Performance Habits: How extraordinary people become that way. Hay House, Inc.
