imapMyTeam Blog

The Privilege of Pressure

Pressure is a Privilege is the title of a book written by Billie Jean King. The genesis of the book is her epic ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis match against Bobby Riggs in 1973. Ms. King’s reference to ‘pressure being a privilege’ is borne from the fact that as you progress in your field or position more is expected of you. She views the lofty expectations others have of you in your role, and the pressure to perform, as a privilege

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Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi recognized and named the psychological concept of flow, a highly focused mental state. When the challenges are great, and the skills are a match to the challenge, the pressure enhances performance. If the challenges are great and the skills are not developed enough, the pressure becomes too much and results in poor performance.

The fact of the matter is that pressure comes in multiple forms. There is ‘good’ and appropriate level of pressure that, when applied to our strengths, actually helps people perform well. It brings focus.  That’s the type Ms. King and Dr. Csikszentmihalyi refer to in their work. Appropriate pressure enhances performance. It reminds me of the old saying that “it takes pressure to make diamonds”.

There is also pressure that is big trouble and causes people to often fall apart.

Pressure, as defined in imapMyTeam, is that type of pressure. This pressure is created when the environment does not match our motivational needs. When needs are unmet it causes a reaction that feels like pressure to us. Our behavior changes, we react, and can lose control of our behavior.

In all cases, this type of pressure is counterproductive to our long term success. It is important to be self-aware and notice how changing circumstances can quickly surface this personal pressure – and how to make sure you are well positioned to recover and get back on track.

The Succeed Under Pressure report in imapMyTeam will give you guidance on how to recover, or even avoid, the negative consequences of the wrong type of pressure. This report prescribes ways to get back on track.  The ‘bad’ pressure goes away and then you can benefit from the focus of the right kind of pressure.

When you have the skills to match the moment, welcome the right kind of pressure.  Pressure applied to your strengths and skills allows you to grow and improve.  This is the type that that promotes focus and brings out your greatness.  After all, pressure is a privilege!