Leaders Told Trying Harder Can Lead to Worse Performance

Business leadership experts Juan Carlos Holgado and Michael Watkins have identified a phenomenon they term the "archer's paradox," suggesting that trying harder under pressure can lead to diminished performance. This concept, drawn from the mechanics of archery where tension degrades fine motor control, extends to business leadership, impacting decision-making and effectiveness.

Through leadership programs at IMD, where participants engage in archery exercises, Holgado and Watkins have observed a recurring pattern: as the desire to succeed increases, so does stress, leading to degraded performance. They argue that when individuals are under pressure, their cognitive functions can become compromised, making self-correction attempts counterproductive.

In archery, an over-eager shot might involve gripping the bow too tightly or holding one's breath, resulting in an inaccurate arrow flight. Similarly, leaders may exhibit tendencies such as over-preparing responses, filling all silences in meetings, or pushing for immediate decisions, all driven by the pressure to perform. This can initiate a negative cycle where doubt and tension escalate, causing performance to fall below one's actual capabilities.

The authors propose three strategies to counteract this effect: 1. Prioritize process over outcome: Focus on controllable elements, like asking clarifying questions, rather than solely on the desired result. 2. Reset the body: Employ physiological techniques such as controlled breathing and posture adjustments to reduce stress responses. 3. Develop an override phrase: Create a simple, memorable command to guide action in moments of intense pressure, shifting from a frozen state to active engagement.

Ultimately, the advice echoes a lesson learned by elite archers: execute the process with commitment and accept the result. Afterward, objectively analyze what occurred, learn from it, and move forward without dwelling on the outcome.