In a previous entry, we explored the concept of high performance and the pivotal role that mastery and scope play in exceeding expectations. While I defined what high performance looks like, there's room for a deeper dive and additional clarity on the topic. Let's revisit and expand on this subject. We'll begin by examining the influence of scope and mastery on an individual's expected impact and then explore what high performance truly entails.
Understanding Expected Performance
Expected performance revolves around the impact an individual's efforts generate. This impact is shaped by two crucial elements: scope and mastery.
Scope: Think of scope as the specific responsibilities and tasks that define an individual's role. It outlines the extent of their influence within their position, encompassing their duties, tasks, and contributions expected by the organization.
Mastery: Mastery encompasses an individual's proficiency and skill set, essential for executing their responsibilities. It includes knowledge, competencies, and capabilities aligned with their scope. Mastery empowers individuals to execute tasks effectively, thereby contributing to the organization's goals.
Expected impact is achieved when an individual skillfully combines scope and mastery, creating the equation:
Scope * Mastery = Expected Impact
This means leveraging one's skills and expertise to fulfill job responsibilities while actively advancing the organization's objectives. Organizational impact can extend beyond these expected outcomes.
Understanding High Performance
Going beyond expectations and achieving excellence signifies accomplishments that transcend the ordinary and exceed mastery expectations. Exceptional performance typically takes on two primary forms:
Exceptional Feats: These occur when an individual takes on and accomplishes tasks beyond their typical scope, resulting in significant impact. These achievements are often remarkable, difficult to replicate, and may manifest at specific moments in time.
Elevated Mastery Contribution: This type of performance is characterized by individuals delivering outstanding results that demand a mastery level beyond what was initially expected of them.
When one surpasses expectations and achieves high performance, the equation transforms into:
Scope * Mastery = Expected Impact + Impact = High Performance.
Consider the role of a Senior Developer with a medium level of mastery as an illustrative example. In this scenario, Expected Impact is represented by the purple dot, calculated as the product of Scope and Mastery. If the Senior Developer's actual impact surpasses this expected level, they have successfully achieved high performance.
This additional impact comes from either exceptional feats or elevated mastery contributions. What's crucial to both forms of high performance is that the individual has a direct impact on the organization, operating above what is initially expected.
High Performance Recognition vs. Promotion
It's essential to distinguish between high-performance recognition and promotion. High performance alone doesn't necessarily warrant an immediate scope or mastery promotion. Promotions occur when there is confidence that an individual possesses the full capability required for the elevated scope or mastery level and the individual wants to keep performing at that level as their new baseline.
Recognizing and rewarding high performance is crucial. It not only acknowledges exceptional achievements but also motivates individuals to continually invest in their growth. This recognition serves as a stepping stone, setting the stage for individuals to take on new challenges and responsibilities. Ultimately, it paves the way for a mastery or scope promotion that aligns with their enhanced abilities. With each step of recognition and promotion, their expected impact on the organization grows, reflecting their evolving scope and mastery.
Real-Life Stories of Excellence and Beyond
Now, let's explore concrete examples that illustrate individuals who redefine their roles by consistently delivering exceptional contributions and results. These stories embody the essence of surpassing expectations, elevating their designated domains substantially.
Role: Developer
Mastery: Medium
Situation: This individual proactively collaborates with Directors to align the product direction, leading to impactful changes through insightful discussions. By engaging with higher-tier stakeholders, they wield significant influence over the product's direction and its ultimate success.
Impact: Exceeding Expectations
Reason: Exceptional Feats
Mastery: High
Situation: In this instance, a Senior Staff Developer takes charge of reshaping product or infrastructure direction for another division of the organization. By assuming this pivotal role, they showcase leadership and the ability to steer a significant segment of the organization.
Impact: Exceeding Expectations
Reason: Exceptional Feats
Role: Senior Development Manager
Mastery: High
Situation: This Development Manager significantly contributes to reducing issues and expediting customer onboarding by managing 3rd-party developer relationships on a prolonged and ongoing basis. Their proactive approach brings more merchants onto the platform, complementing their product roadmap efforts. They continuously perform this impactful work alongside their other responsibilities.
Impact: Exceeding Expectations
Reason: Elevated Mastery Contribution. They are taking on work outside of their current mastery and having an impact with that work.
Role: Senior Developer
Mastery: High
Situation: This Senior Developer adeptly led a team of four developers over the past six months, playing a pivotal role in roadmap planning and project delivery. By stepping up as an effective team leader, this individual demonstrated the potential for a proficient Development Manager role. However, they are not performing the expectations of a Senior Developer.
Impact: Meeting Expectations but should receive a promotion in scope
Reason: While they are performing the role of a Development Manager effectively, recognition for exceeding expectations may be more appropriate upon promotion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we've delved into the essential components of achieving excellence: scope, mastery, and high performance. By understanding the intricate interplay between these elements, individuals can strive for greatness in their roles, consistently surpassing expectations.
It's crucial to recognize that high performance isn't an automatic ticket to immediate promotion in scope or mastery. Rather, it's a stepping stone, a testament to one's exceptional capabilities and dedication. Through recognition of high performance, we not only celebrate outstanding achievements but also inspire individuals to continue their growth journey.
This recognition paves the way for new challenges and responsibilities, ultimately leading to well-deserved promotions. With each stride in their career, their expected impact on the organization grows, reflecting their evolving scope and mastery.