Terms like remarkable, extraordinary, awesome, and phenomenal describe performances that often leave the spectator "wanting more." When those around you constantly demand more and more of what you do, continue to talk about your performance, and do almost anything to see you perform again... this is the Encore Effect.

What would it take to make your performances go from ordinary to extraordinary? How about from good to great? What about from marginal to remarkable? In short, what would it take to make your performances more memorable, even unforgettable? When you deliver a remarkable performance in a remarkable way, people can't stop watching... and you will have them coming back wanting more.

In terms of performance, most people fall in the category of "average." An average performance is not good or bad... it's just routine. Encore Effect author Mark Sanborn writes, "The problem is that average performance doesn't get you noticed. Average performance also doesn't transform people's lives. To do that, you want to achieve superlative, remarkable performances. You want to be the best of the best."

3 KEYS TO CREATING REMARKABLE PERFORMANCES

Below are three considerations for creating remarkable and memorable performances. Although not an exhaustive list, it is critical to honestly assess and improve your commitment, professionalism, and skills.

1. Commitment - Commitment is a must! You will have to be one of the most (if not the most) committed person on your team. When you consistently display a high level of commitment, you are showing others that you are willing to sacrifice for them and put the team first. In fact, when compelled (see Jeff Janssen's Commitment Continuum) you are showing that there is no other place you would rather be. No matter what the obstacles or distractions... you will find a way to get the job done... and you will expect others to get the job done too. When others see this commitment, they will want to see and experience more of it.




2. Professionalism - The word professionalism refers to being "other-minded." The professional is someone who is more concerned about others than they are about themselves. A "professional" teammate can be trusted to take care of, lead, and inspire others. By their actions, professionals instill confidence in their teammates. They are willing to make decisions and do so with respect, character, and a "team-first" focus.




3. Skills - Performance is about doing! Sanborn writes, "Performance is about more than what we know; it's about what we do with what we know." Basic skills generally yield routine performances. Encore performers develop, refine, and expand their skills to their highest levels. In fact, Sanborn says "encore performers demonstrate that they know how to do what they do, that they've practiced and perfected what they do, and that they still have a commitment to becoming better."

Encore performers have a way of making complex and complicated situations simple. They have a way of managing chaos in a way that produces the desired outcome. In addition, they focus themselves and others toward outlined goals that result in satisfaction and achievement. In the end, they create remarkable and memorable performances when others cannot. In doing so, encore performers show passion, discipline, and a willingness to take action.

Sanborn summarizes these characteristics in his Performance Development Agenda (PDA) formula.

Encore performers have passion. They captivate others by not only what they do but also how they do it. They play and perform with a love and enjoyment of the game that inspires and motivates, and their passion drives their performance. Encore performers also have discipline. Discipline turns passion into action (see above formula). And discipline is often about sacrifice.

How about you... what are you willing to sacrifice to be the best? Remember, encore performers are highly committed, disciplined, and are willing to sacrifice (both short and long-term to meet the desired goals and objectives). Finally, encore performers take action.

Sanborn writes, "The difference between a mediocre performance and a remarkable one is usually the difference between what you know and what you do with what you know." Encore performers focus on the outcome and do not let anything get in the way. They focus on the goal, how to get there (what to do), and completing the task. In sum, the encore effect entails understanding the difference between activity and action. Activity is effort. Action creates the desired outcome.

Remember this: Encore performers think differently, train differently, expect different outcomes, act differently, respond to mistakes and setbacks differently, and ultimately perform differently.

Sanborn challenges the encore performer with the following:

1. Practice the discipline of "two levels up" (2LU) - if everyone else is trying to reach the next level... maybe you should go for the level above the next level. That means two levels up becomes your focus. Become the best (get out front) and remain the best (stay out front). Think two levels up on everyone else!
2. Take a lesson from a baker - a baker's dozen refers to "one extra" in addition to the agreed upon dozen. That means 13 rolls instead of 12 rolls. In terms of performance, it means always doing more, doing extra, and committing to accomplishing more than expected. It means being committed or compelled.
3. Don't settle for excellence - instead, strive for distinction. To be distinct means to be "one of a kind." This means you have something that nobody else has. Seek input from others whom you trust, learn from your mistakes, "add to" what you have previously accomplished, and replace excellence with distinction. When you are distinct, people will want an encore performance.

One last reminder: Your actions will always speak louder than your words. Your preparation, commitment, professionalism, skills, passion, and discipline will be revealed in your action. Sanborn talks about the "Crucial 5 Percent" - that extra 5 percent effort that nobody else will be able to match. Are you willing to provide that crucial 5 percent? Are you willing to commit to becoming that encore performer that is both remarkable and memorable?

Sanborn, M. (2008). The Encore Effect. WaterBrook Press, Colorado Springs, CO.

Janssen, J. (2007). The Team Captain's Leadership Manual. Winning the Mental Game, Cary, NC.