In any highly competitive landscape, from the office to the athletic field, the margin between failure and success is often minuscule.
What separates the victors from those who finish behind them often comes down to the smallest detail. Those who repeatedly perform at the highest level know that the littlest things can make a world of difference. Of the many micro qualities that exist in any endeavor, one stands out for its impact on superior performance: Execution technique.
For physical performance, execution technique is made up of such details as correct body alignment, exacting position, precise rotation, and perfect balance. For intellectual performance, details like meticulous language choice, rigorous data analysis, pinpointing assumptions, and exacting questions may reflect execution technique.
All superior performance depends on sound execution technique. Not surprisingly, top performers spend more time practicing their execution technique than do others. These fundamentals are made up of details that are generally well-known, certainly by those who have studied or mastered high performance.
The key is to recognize that every endeavor is comprised of details that comprise essential technique. By identifying what details matter most to execution, any performer can improve by focusing on the precision by which they deploy the technique.
Expecting to perform at a high level without mastering the details of execution technique is a recipe for disappointment. As William Blake once wrote, “Execution is the chariot of genius.” In that case, execution technique is the axle that propels the exalted carriage to victory. How good is your execution technique?
