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The Extraordinary Performer

Take Charge of Your Future—Increase Your Value
and Contribution by Leveraging Your Strengths
Our programs take advantage of eight key features and insights. They:

Are built on research. We use a research-based, data-driven approach in all of our programs. Each has been built on a foundation of research that uses empirical data from hundreds of thousands of multi-rater (360) feedback surveys.

Utilize personalized assessments. Each of our programs starts with a validated, strengths-based multi-rater (360) assessment. They help the individual or team understand how they are currently perceived and evaluate potential areas of developmental focus.

Set lofty targets. Extraordinary performers drive extraordinary results, where good performers drive average results. The target for each program is not to simply get people “up-to-speed” or to be adequate – it’s to help them become extraordinary.

Emphasize differentiating competencies. Extraordinary performers differentiate themselves from good performers by exhibiting exceptional strength in competency areas critical to their jobs. Our research identifies the few critical competencies by correlating them with those perceived as the top performers.

Focus on strengths. Our research (and experience) shows that outstanding performers are not distinguished by any absence of weaknesses. As a result, we focus program participants on selecting and building a few existing strengths to the extraordinary level – not on selecting and “fixing” their weaknesses as most assessment and development programs do.

Employ powerful cross-training tools. World class distance runners, for example, don’t expect to significantly improve their times simply by running a lot more. Like world class athletes, we utilize a powerful “cross-training” developmental approach that enables participants to build on existent strengths (we call it Non-Linear DevelopmentTM).

Link development to business results. We put measures and drivers of business results into our development tools. Through statistical analysis we extract the behaviors that most powerfully drive those important business outcomes. We can then – with a laser-like focus – provide development for those specific behaviors. This is far more effective than the “shotgun blast” approach to development that is commonly used.

Make learning and development stick. Many organizations have trouble or need help focusing on follow-up – the part of the learning process that ensures learning sticks. Our programs are supported by tools to help participants easily map their development plans, remember to periodically report back how they’re doing, and make their implementation goal progress visible to others.

The Extraordinary Performer Workshop is a one-day performance and career development program for individual contributors. It helps them understand how to take charge of their careers and their own long-term performance, while making a profound difference in their organizations’ results. Built on empirical research of the behaviors that differentiate great performers, the workshop combines a pre-workshop multi-rater assessment, classroom-based learning experiences, and an individual career planning process to produce a structured, actionable, customized development plan for each participant. Employees of all skill levels leave with the tools and motivation to improve their performance and increase their value to the organization.

During the course of the workshop a certified Zenger | Folkman or client facilitator will help participants:

  • understand the factors that drive extraordinary job performance and create personal career satisfaction
  • learn how organizations' expectations of high performance change as individuals grow in their careers
  • assess their own current stages of career development
  • learn about the 16 differentiating competencies that distinguish the highest performing individual contributors from all the rest
  • receive and analyze their own multi-rater feedback reports focusing on understanding their strengths and any potential fatal flaws
  • apply Zenger | Folkman’s unique “non-linear” development process to increase their on-the-job effectiveness, impact, and personal career satisfaction
  • create structured, customized, individual development plans to help them make extraordinary contributions and move forward in their careers
  • receive peer feedback and coaching around their plans in preparation for development discussions with their managers

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear picture of how their performance is currently perceived and what they can do to increase their contribution. Each will also have created an Individual Development Plan that is customized to both their current career stage and their own longer-term career objectives. With the tools they’ll be given they’ll be ready to follow up with their managers and become long-term extraordinary performers.

“It is GREAT to get this kind of feedback. It is the first time during my professional career that I have ever received 360 feedback. I think it will make a huge difference in the things I focus my development efforts on. The career models presented were also really helpful. I find the strengths-based approach and the concept of competency companions really motivating. I would like to see every employee here have this opportunity.”

—Program Manager
Large Integrated Global Energy Corporation

Audience: The Extraordinary Performer Workshop will help any individual contributor in an organization. The workshop may be successfully delivered to intact work teams, to individuals gathered from different parts of an organization, or a combination of both.

Materials: Each participant will have participated in the online Extraordinary Performer multi-rater (360) assessment prior to the workshop and will receive their own individual feedback report during the workshop. Each will also receive an Extraordinary Performer Participant Manual and Competency Companion Development Guide.

Benefits: Organizations typically describe the following benefits using The Extraordinary Performer program and approach:

  1. Linked to The Extraordinary Leader. Using much of the same research, terminology, and development approach found in The Extraordinary Leader program, people at all levels of the organization are offered a parallel experience.
  2. Performance and career enhancing. The program framework addresses how to improve current contributions and performance, and create a successful career.
  3. Data-driven. Empirical data demonstrates and quantifies the links between personal effectiveness and the impact that has on the organization’s overall results.
  4. Validated starting point. Baseline 360’s and normative comparisons are provided to each participant and aggregated results to entire teams letting every person and every team know how their contributions are perceived and how far they have to go.
  5. Structured process. A complete assessment and development planning process with a well-researched competency model is provided to help participants prioritize their development needs within a career framework.
  6. Positive experience. Focusing on building strengths is individually and organizationally a much more positive, motivating experience than the traditional “you’re deficient, we’re going to fix your weaknesses” approach.
  7. Clear path. The 360 assessment PLUS an actionable process to follow leaves participants with a clear roadmap and the tools needed to become extraordinary.
  8. Results-focused. Higher performance expectations are communicated and participants learn why settling for “good” performance isn’t good enough for them or the organization.
  9. Sets high bar. Our feedback reports provide 90th and 75th percentile norms that let individuals compare themselves to the best.
  10. Great follow-up program. Organizations are given a positive, structured development experience if they need to recover from a “that was interesting” 360 with no follow-up and action-planning help for participants.

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