How we feel can impact how we do. Some days are better than others. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed and stuck, other times we can embrace the challenges and move forward.

Expectation, Scrutiny and Consequences (ESC) describe pressure.

Pressure drives us forward. But when the pressure gets too much, when we reach our threshold, or we become overwhelmed, it is likely we will respond negatively. We can ‘go APE‘.

Levels of expectation can be so overwhelming they can divert people from the task at hand. Likewise scrutiny. Think of a time when a task you were normally able to perform became impossible when people watched. And so it is too with consequences. Being so desperate to win, or worried about losing can be overwhelming.

Being aware of what diverts people is incredibly helpful

Being aware of patterns of unhelpful responses to pressure is also helpful. Some people under pressure become very AGGRESSIVE. This might mean cranky, or it might mean you try harder and lose your focus as a result, or you might speak too fast in a big meeting.

Some people become quite PASSIVE and shrink away or go flat. Poor me. Not my job, you do it. And some people simply ESCAPE. I’m out of here! I’m not going to be in position to make a fool of myself! This situation is too hard!

Spend some time thinking about ESC – APE in your context. What are the key triggers for the people you coach?

Do they have a favourite way of responding?

How might looking for this as a coach help you help them?

Whether it is when you get stuck in traffic or whether it is playing in the orchestra in front of thousands of people, if you are aware of yourself going APE you will have more ability to catch yourself early and let it go. Over time you can become increasingly more conscious of your own personal pattern and practice ways of managing it.

Likewise, if you are aware of what diverts you most around E S or C then you have more opportunity to prepare and choose your response. You will be able to put into place alternative responses to just going APE and focus on useful, helpful things. If high performance is important to you and there is pressure then it is crucial to resource yourself to cope. Small shifts can have a big impact. Acknowledging the pressure and being honest about your response is the first step in turning to face it head-on.

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