For those of us who face high pressure situations in our professional and personal lives, Performing Under Pressure by Hendrie Weisinger and J.P Pawliw-Fry is a godsend. This book does three things exceptionally well: 1) it dispels popular myths about pressure and “choking” using thorough research into biology and case studies, 2) it offers helpful, battle-proven “pressure solutions” that can be immediately put to use in dealing with pressure, and 3) it gives a comprehensive strategy for preparing yourself for future pressure situations using the “COTE of armor” strategy.
This book is helpful and engrossing cover-to-cover, and it is really difficult to pinpoint particular high points. The middle section of the book that outlines pressure solutions is going to help anyone who reads it, and I can see it being something I reference again and again. The “COTE of armor” strategy found in the last section of the book highlights the importance of Confidence, Optimism, Tenacity, and Enthusiasm (hence, “COTE”). The chapter on Enthusiasm in particular was enlightening. Research has shown a huge difference in team performance when the only variable factor is the presence or absence of one enthusiastic team member. This is powerful, practical stuff.
It is obvious that these authors did their homework, and that they worked hard to make their principles actionable and applicable. There is so much that is encouraging in this book, as well as stories that serve as sobering warnings lest we forget the danger of not dealing with pressure in a healthy way.
My one quibble with Performing Under Pressure is a minor one: the authors appeal a lot to evolutionary theory in their scientific research, with early man presented as little more than a highly advanced animal. However, they also highlight the importance of living for a higher purpose and for a mission beyond ourselves. Clearly this is an unresolved metaphysical tension throughout the book that some may struggle with.
Despite this, I highly recommend this book for anyone who deals with the pressure of performing at a high level when the stakes are high, particularly those who have to lead teams through uncertain waters.
Please Note: This book was gifted as a part of the Blogging for Books Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work.