Peak Performance — the Peter Schmeichel story
Since the early days at ClearScore, personal development has been part of our DNA. We believe that what we do matters, and that our mission matters. Our focus is on achieving peak performance and creating an environment where we can do our best work and be our best selves.
Recently I read a story about Peter Schmeichel, which has helped me visualise peak performance. Let me share this with you.
Peter Schmeichel — the early days
Many of you will remember Peter Schmeichel from his successful years at Manchester United, whom he captained to victory in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final to complete the Treble. If like me, you are a fan of European football, you may also remember him for being a key part of the incredible Danish team that won the UEFA Euro in 1992.
Achievements like this are clear examples of someone at the top of their game. It may be tempting to think that this is simply the result of an intimidating physique and years of training. At 1.91m (6 ft 3 in) he clearly had a reach advantage and there is no doubt that he put in the hours on the pitch wearing his custom-made XXXL football gear. Nevertheless, my view is that there is more going on here than just natural ability or hard work. Training and focus are both hugely important to attain success but so is knowing which areas you choose to focus on. Schmeichel is now regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, but it wasn’t always that way.
Before becoming a professional footballer, Schmeichel worked on all kinds of jobs to make ends meet. This included work in a textile factory, cleaning at an old people’s home, an office job with the World Wildlife Fund and compulsory military service. His first real break was being offered a contract with a football team called Hvidovre. In their first season, Schmeichel and Hvidovre finished in 14th place and were relegated in 1985.
Apparently, Schmeichel was furious with his coach. He had done almost everything that was expected of a premier goalkeeper. His stats were the fifth-best defence in the entire league, conceding only 40 goals in 30 games. Despite his personal efforts, the team was not performing. Something had to change. The coach was desperately encouraging him to go beyond his normal role and become more of a team player. Eventually, Schmeichel listened and acted on this advice. This was ultimately the turning point of his career.
Playing outside the zone
In the next season, Schmeichel completely changed his game. Rather than just fixate on keeping a clean sheet, he pushed outside his traditional playing zone. Due to his unique vantage point on the pitch, he was able to read the game and shout instructions to other players. By coordinating the field in this manner, the entire team became significantly more effective. When his side was trailing, he would even go on the attack when corner kicks were taken in the opposition’s area. This unusual tactic for a goalkeeper resulted in him scoring 11 goals in his career.
After only a single season, the club bounced right back to the 1st Division and he was subsequently signed up to the more prestigious team of Brøndby. From there his team won four championships in five seasons, this led to him joining the Danish national team in 1987, then onto becoming Denmark’s starting goalkeeper and team captain.
Following his successes on the international scene, Manchester United signed Schmeichel in 1991 for £505,000, a price described by Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson as the “bargain of the century.” Schmeichel played the bulk of his career for United, eight years in total. With United, Schmeichel won five FA Premier League titles, three FA Cups, one League Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
His career had truly changed from one where he was performing to one where both he and his team were consistently performing. This to me illustrates the fundamental shift to peak performance.
Your turning point
So as you are setting your next objectives, ask yourself: what is going on outside your comfort zone? Where could I add value to other parts of the business? What threats or opportunities exist that I can do something about?
When you start to think like this, your role becomes broader, your learning curve will increase, and your view of what success looks like will deepen. Success then feeds larger successes. This will improve the performance of both yourself and your team.
You never know. This may also be the turning point of your career.
