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Extensive research has shown that too much worrying
or excessive anxiety disrupts attentional functioning. For this
reason much of the variance in performance has been ascribed to
the effects of heightened levels of anticipatory anxiety.
In elite competition quality performance is characterized
by efficient attentional functioning, involving very little conscious
effort. This "optimum" state where a complex task is done without
conscious thought is often referred to as being "in the zone". Conversely,
less skilled or poor performance is related to inefficient utilisation
of attentional activity typified by more effortful and conscious
processing. Within sports, for instance, this often results in distortions
of muscle sequencing prior to and during motor execution. Similarly,
the content, quality and fluidity of a business leader's speech
to a large audience is strongly influenced by the person's availability
of mental resources.
Neurofeedback improves mental resources to enhance
concentration, attention and alertness. By improving these mental
functions, individuals may minimise the attention altering effects
of anxiety and increase the critical psychological construct of
self-confidence.
How does neurofeedback contribute to peak performance?
Research has shown that neurofeedback training
can improve:
• creativity
• ability to cope with a high workload and thereby reduce the likelihood
of workload burnout during competitive situations
• capacity to brainstorm solutions to problems (mental fluidity)
• attention, concentration and memory performance
• decision making and reduce errors
Who can take advantage of neurofeedback peak performance training?
Several Fortune 500 companies (e.g. Hillenbrand)
have started to use neurofeedback peak performance training as part
of their leadership development program. This is largely due to
the recognition that today's business environment has led to:
• Overload, stress and diminished performance from
relentless productivity demands.
• Eroded confidence and self-esteem created by rapidly changing
skill requirements and job assignments.
• Increased demand for personal responsibility and accountability
arising from empowerment and emphasis on teams.
• Uncertainty about the balance in work and life because of the
transformation of work through technology.
• Blurred vision, purpose and direction stemming from discontinuous
change.
Thus, if today's leaders want to be successful
in their lead of others they need to be able to handle the additional
stress of being a leader. Firstly, they need to become more aware
of their stress responses. Then they can work to achieve a level
of self-mastery, which will enable them to remain focused in the
face of adversity.
Our neurofeedback peak performance training will
help leaders/managers and expert performers to achieve this self-mastery
by training them to:
1. Clarify and commit to a self-chosen goal.
2. Quickly achieve an inner state of calmness and peace in stressful
situations.
3. Develop an internal sense of control.
4. Cultivate a sense of optimism.
Physiological, behavioural and subjective recordings
before, during and after neurofeedback training will scientifically
document evidence of personal mastery in these areas. Thus, through
neurofeedback training, business leaders, athletes and expert performers
will derive the benefits of reduced stress, improved cognitive skills
(e.g. IQ, memory, attention), emotional fluency, work performance,
productivity, and healthy well-being, and we can document all of
this scientifically.
A course of neurofeedback peak performance training
lasts approximately 10-15 sessions, but this is only a guide as
requirements for each individual differ. We offer this service in
co-operation with a life and business coaching company (www.hc-coaching.com).
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