Q: We are ramping up for an eventful year and I want to help my employees prepare. Is there anything I can do to ensure they perform at their peak?

A: Achieving peak performance means becoming mentally fit. Make sure your employees are ready for the challenge by preparing them mentally, just as you would prepare them physically if you were training them for a marathon. Encourage them to exercise the following traits:

1. Maintain exceptional concentration. Peak performers’ focus on what they want to happen, not what they are afraid will happen.
2. Remain relaxed despite outside factors. High achievers quickly recover their balance in the face of stressful circumstances.
3. Learn quickly. Top performers welcome feedback and integrate it rather than getting defensive.
4. Make goals that include personal value. Greater fulfillment is obtained by people who choose clear, inspiring, and personally meaningful objectives.