4-2-2 Performance Playbook

Hi, 

It’s been a busy start to 2025. How’s your year going so far? 

We’re closing in on the end of Q1 and I know many are well on the way to achieving the goals they’ve set for the year already. I’m sharing some more actionable tips that you can use to achieve these goals so you can grow and make an impact.

Estimated reading time: 3 mins

1. Embrace Failure as a Learning Tool

Failure is often viewed negatively, but not all failure is bad. If you’re failing because you’re:

• Trying new things

• Pushing yourself outside your comfort zone

• Testing new strategies

Then failure is actually a sign of growth. These experiences offer valuable lessons that can drive both personal and business progress. The key is to fail in the right ways—through calculated risks and continuous learning.

2. Expand Your Network Beyond Your Industry

Networking is crucial, but many professionals limit themselves to their own industry. This can lead to missed opportunities.

During my football career, our team regularly engaged with athletes from other sports, gaining insights we wouldn’t have found otherwise. The same applies to business. Expanding your network beyond your field exposes you to fresh ideas, new opportunities, and unexpected collaborations.

3. Prioritise “Thinking Time”

Business often feels like a non-stop race, leaving little room for deep reflection. Without time to think strategically, decision-making and creativity suffer.

Allowing your team structured time to reflect on their tasks, goals, and company vision enhances clarity and productivity. Bill Gates famously incorporated “Think Weeks” into his schedule—proof that intentional thinking time can lead to world class results.

4. Commit to Deep Work

Distractions dominate the modern workplace, making deep, focused work rare. But if you want world-class results, deep work is essential.

Encourage practices like:

• Designating quiet spaces for focused work

• Setting specific hours for uninterrupted concentration

Research suggests that 90 minutes of deep work per day can significantly improve performance and knowledge retention.

1. Develop People, Not Just Skills

Growing your team shouldn’t just be about technical skills. Focusing on personal development helps build a team that is:

• Emotionally intelligent

• Resilient in the face of adversity

• Well-rounded as individuals

This holistic approach not only strengthens the team dynamic but also benefits the business as a whole.

2. Build Accountability Circles

As a business grows, holding every individual accountable becomes challenging. Creating small accountability circles within teams ensures that responsibility is shared, rather than falling solely on leadership.

This fosters a culture of ownership and self-management, freeing leaders to focus on strategic growth.

1. Master Energy Management

Leadership is demanding, and energy levels fluctuate throughout the day. The key is to structure tasks around your natural rhythms.

• If you’re most productive in the morning, schedule high-priority tasks then.

• Save easier tasks for energy dips in the afternoon.

Recognising and optimising your energy flow helps maintain peak performance without burnout.

2. The 3 Waves of Decision-Making

Great leaders don’t rush to reverse decisions after encountering the first setback. Instead, they observe three waves:

1. The first wave may bring challenges—don’t panic.

2. The second wave offers further insight—stay patient.

3. The third wave reveals the true outcome—only then should you adjust.

I hope these tips help you finish stronger for Q1!

Have a great weekend and keep getting after it.

Paul