Peak Performance Under Pressure

How can we maintain optimal levels of pressure so we perform at our best?What systems and tools can we use to own the pressure?What techniques can we apply to regain composure and situational control when under pressure?All of us experience moments when we are under pressure and need to perform to a high standard. While the right level of pressure enhances our performance, excessive pressure leads to cognitive overload, stress and compromises our ability to perform. How can we own the pressure to achieve peak performance? Medical, military and emergency services personnel deal with high-pressure situations on a regular basis. Drawing on 20 years of leadership experience in emergency medical and rescue situations, the author describes the consequences of pressure, both positive and negative, and explains the strategies we can use to attain states of peak performance. Using first-hand accounts of high-pressure situations within emergency medicine, the book covers relevant aspects such as cognitive aids, teamwork, organisational culture and tactical leadership. It also describes how we can use different training and simulation techniques to prepare teams to deal with excessive pressure in practice. It will appeal to all those working within an emergency environment, including ambulance clinicians, doctors, firefighters, military personnel, rescue teams and business leaders, as well as anyone hoping to improve their own performance during high-pressure situations.Contents include:Flow, frazzle and owning the pressureThinking under pressureBack pressure – barriers to high performanceCultures of excellenceStrategic leadership of high-performing organisationsSelecting high performersGuidelines and accessing information under pressureA checklist for checklistsThe high-performing teamFrontline leadershipTools of the tradeTraining for high performanceSimulation and competency assessmentPersonal preparation for high performanceReducing the pressure from frazzle to flowPressure management case studies
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