The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action

by Eduardo Briceno

Discover how to balance learning and performing to bolster personal and team success with this revolutionary guide from a world-renowned expert on growth mindset.
 
“An essential read for fostering learning, performance, and a growth mindset . . . I wholeheartedly recommend it.”—Carol Dweck, bestselling author of Mindset

To succeed in a fast-changing world, individuals and companies know they must create a culture of growth, where experimentation and feedback are encouraged, and learning is integrated into the everyday. Yet we often get stuck in a well-worn pattern of habits that don’t move us forward. Why?

Because many of us get trapped in the Performance Paradox : the counterintuitive phenomenon that if we focus only on performing, our performance suffers.

How can we give ourselves the space to experiment and grow while also delivering high-level results?

Fostering growth mindset to elevate performance is Eduardo Briceño’s specialty. As CEO of Mindset Works and in his work with Fortune 500 companies, he discovered that mastering growth—personal, organizational, and financial—hinges on navigating the crucial balance between learning and performing.

In The Performance Paradox , Briceño reveals how to
• avoid falling into the chronic performance trap that stagnates growth
• identify when and how to unlock the power of mistakes
• integrate learning into daily habits in ways that stick
• lead teams that constantly improve and outperform their targets
• grow your skill level and output simultaneously and for the long term
 
We can achieve more tomorrow than we do today if we develop the belief that we can change and the competence for how to change. With Briceño’s innovative and refreshing framework of balancing learning and performing, individuals and companies can reach their boldest aspirations.

Genres: Leadership, Self Help, Business, Nonfiction, Productivity, Psychology, Education

405 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2023

About the author

Eduardo Briceño is a global keynote speaker, facilitator, and author who guides many of the world’s leading companies in developing cultures of learning and high performance. He is a Pahara-Aspen Fellow, a member of the Aspen Institute’s Global Leadership Network, and an inductee in the Happiness Hall of Fame. For over a decade he was the Co-Founder and CEO of Mindset Works, the first company to offer growth mindset development services. His TED and TEDx talks have been viewed more than nine million times. Earlier in his career, he was a technology investor with Credit Suisse’s venture capital arm. He holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as an MBA and M.A. in education from Stanford. His book, The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action, published by Penguin Random House on September 5 2023, was selected as a Must-Read by the Next Big Idea Club.

Reviews

[Jaclyn]

DNF @ page 123
Read this for work and thoroughly didn't enjoy. Writing was very bland and not what I like, the narrative was so disjointed, he kept jumping around. I especially don't like in these nonfiction self-help business books that just repeat the same point over and over and over again. It's a waste of space, repetition is fine, but let's not kid ourselves and say the same thing more than twice.

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset Into Action" by Eduardo Briceño offers a fresh perspective on how to approach work and achieve success by focusing on learning rather than solely on performance. Briceño introduces the concept of the performance paradox, highlighting the limitations of traditional beliefs that emphasize hard work and flawless execution as the keys to success. Instead, he advocates for integrating performance with learning to foster growth, adaptability, and fulfillment in one's career.

The book introduces the idea of two distinct zones: the Performance Zone and the Learning Zone. While the Performance Zone emphasizes flawless execution and efficiency, the Learning Zone is characterized by inquiry, experimentation, and reflection. Briceño argues that spending time in both zones is essential for achieving long-term success and personal development.

Drawing on examples from various fields, including sports and business, Briceño demonstrates how individuals and organizations can benefit from embracing the Learning Zone. He emphasizes the importance of adopting a growth mindset, which involves believing in one's ability to learn and improve over time. By prioritizing continuous development and embracing challenges, individuals can break free from the cycle of chronic performance and unlock their full potential.

Moreover, Briceño explores strategies for integrating the Performance Zone with the Learning Zone, emphasizing the concept of "learning while doing." He illustrates how individuals can cultivate a culture of growth and innovation within their teams and organizations by fostering an environment that encourages experimentation, feedback, and reflection.

The book also discusses the characteristics of growth, outlining five elements—identity, purpose, beliefs, habits, and community—that can propel individuals toward excellence. Briceño emphasizes the importance of aligning personal identity and purpose with a commitment to lifelong learning. Additionally, he highlights the role of leaders in creating learning organizations that prioritize continuous improvement and foster a culture of growth and collaboration.

In the final section, Briceño offers practical tips for maximizing personal and collective growth. He underscores the importance of clarity, goal alignment, and adaptability in navigating complex challenges and driving positive change. By embracing the Learning Zone as a fundamental skill of the twenty-first century, individuals and organizations can thrive in an ever-changing world.

Overall, "The Performance Paradox" provides a compelling framework for rethinking traditional approaches to work and achieving sustainable success. Through engaging storytelling, practical insights, and actionable strategies, Briceño empowers readers to harness the power of mindset and embrace a lifelong journey of learning and growth.

[Stroop · Rating 5 out of 5]

An accessible and practical read for anyone interested in organizational learning and development.

Each chapter opens with a "Big Idea" and anecdotes and recommendations for how to achieve the big idea and move towards (or get deeper into) a growth mindset and "learning zone". Each chapter also concludes with reflection questions. The author presents compelling reasons why high performance isn't enough on its own (or sustainable) for success - the desire to improve, grow, and learn (and to be able to connect with others) are essential components to a satisfying and productive work life.

Thank you very much to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

[Kevin Gazzara DM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found "The Performance Paradox" an exceptional read. Eduardo has masterfully written a manual for those who are caught up in a treadmill life. He shares stories and practices that will help you move from stagnant to growth. Moving from the performance zone to the learning zone is so important to live a great life. If you have ever wondered how and why you need to do this, then this book is your roadmap for change. - Dr. Kevin Gazzara - Co-author of "The Leader of OZ"

[Alicia Ginsburgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eduardo Briceno has managed to translate his powerful keynote addresses into a compelling, entertaining and behavior-changing book! Highly recommend to anyone who has ever felt like they might be coasting and not enjoying it, or that their efforts to improve have bumped into their limits. Even those with a deep understanding of growth mindset will benefit from understanding and then applying strategies in Briceno's Zones.

Clear frameworks, thought-provoking real-life examples from a wide range of industries and experiences, and prompts for personal reflection and application make this book into more of an activation companion for accessing new levels of growth.

[Lisa Kosak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book and it's a real game-changer for creating a balanced life in learning and improving your performance. I enjoyed learning how I can influence my team to start creating their own learning that in turn helps others in an organization or friend or family groups. We all strive to be the best we can but sometimes we need an extra nudge. If you've ever struggled with setting and achieving your goals, this book is must-read. Briceno not only delves deep into the concept of mindset but also provides practical steps to bridge the gap between what you aspire to achieve and making it happen in real life.

What sets this book apart is its practicality. Briceno doesn't just throw theories at you; he offers advice that's easy to implement. The writing style is engaging, making it accessible for readers from all walks of life. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply someone looking to improve yourself, you'll discover valuable insights. The chapter on setting SMART goals and the strategies for overcoming obstacles was particularly intriguing for me. "The Performance Paradox" stands out in the crowded self-help genre for its guidance and emphasis on the science behind success. Eduardo Briceno has truly created a book that can transform your mindset and, subsequently, your life. I highly recommend it!

[Erwin Wiersma · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I started this book, I was curious. The concept seemed interesting and insightful. However, after finishing a couple of chapters, I began to disengage. The book kept going over the same concept repeatedly and fell short of offering new, interesting insights.

It may be useful for someone who feels stuck in a constant cycle of overperformance, without real learning or progress. For readers in that situation, the book could help shift their mindset toward a more learning-oriented approach.

That said, the repetitive nature of the content was a major drawback for me. The author attempted to redefine the central concept to fit various scenarios, but in doing so, I felt it lost its clarity and impact. The stories included often felt random and disconnected, and I don’t believe the success described in them can be solely attributed to the book’s main concept. As a result, many of the examples seemed forced or overly convenient.

The author seems like a successful management consultant who is good at his craft. However, he might need to consider sticking in the learning zone a little longer when it comes to writing books.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Performance Paradox is one of those books that is deep yet understandable. Divided into three sections, Briceño dissects the topic. My favorite aspect of this book is the many examples that Briceño offers. If you like thorough, concise information, you’ll find plenty in this book. It took me a while to read each chapter because there was so much to absorb. But it’s not hard to understand, just meaty. The concepts can apply to you personally, your team, and your organization.

[Gijs Limonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The proposed paradox is not a paradox at all; spending time and effort in your learning zone is not at all at a seeming odds with killing it in the performance zone; it’s just honing your skill outside the arena, with the purposeful aim of getting better at whatever you’re doing. Putting that aside; the author lays it all out for you in nifty diagrams and helpful metaphors and he does so with considerable skill and enthusiasm.

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

It fits into the "I used to be a management consultant so here's a bunch of illustrative stories that i use to sell one key idea that turns 3 pages into 300 pages" genre.

Ok if you're new to the continuous learning concept, but skim if you're mining for one or two key nuggets out of a 300 page book

[Li · Rating 2 out of 5]

not big into self help books but reading this one for work

[Jesse Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

Though each chapter and/or sections of the book include real-life stories from all different types of successful business people,, the book tends to be repetitive and lingers in many ways

[Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the result of the practice of management consulting that we so often see. However, it is not just another management consultant’s book. Briceño takes his practical experience, his academic background, and his insight into successful organizations and brings us a readable presentation of the complex interactions that organizations face. There may be competing interests of company objectives, employee agendas, and customer needs and all these contribute to pressure to perform. The old adage of “work smarter not harder” is too easy to say and too hard to implement. Here Briceño provides well-documented methods to enable working smarter.
The notion of what he calls the “performance zone” and the “learning zone” are a bit contrived but the point is well taken. There are times when we must deliver and there are times when we need to take a step back and think about what we are doing. Sometimes, these two modes are tightly interleaved and sometimes it its necessary to break away from doing to spend time thinking. Briceño’s Learning Zone is needed when we seek to work smarter. This need for learning to supplement doing is sometimes called lifelong learning or invokes the expression “leaders are readers”. Call it what you wish – and Briceño calls it The Learning Zone – the point is that there are times when we need to think more than do.
Early in the book, Briceño cites his experience of swimming and getting caught in a rip current. If he simply worked harder and tried to swim directly to shore, he would have become exhausted and been swept out to sea. This is “the performance paradox”. By stopping and thinking about the situation and how to solve the problem, he swam parallel with the shore until he was no longer under the effects of the current. This is a commonly understood solution to the problem of rip currents but how many times would we apply this to business practice?
There were times when Briceño makes bold statements that give the reader pause to question how such a statement can be made. The simple answer is that there are data to support the assertions. There are 30 pages of notes – effectively footnotes but without the distraction of placing them with the text – that both support these assertions and provide source material to dig deeper. There is also a 15-page index to facilitate going back to use this as a reference book later, making it a timeless tool.

[Cody Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

When we are young, we are learning everything about everything. As we begin to understand the world around us, we subtly transition from learning into living. This is the same process we follow when learning any new skill: first we learn via practicing, then we perform. The problem many of us encounter is that once we begin performing, our abilities plateau, and our performance ultimately suffers. Our author argues that this is because we abandon learning and practice. In order to continually be our best, whether in the arts, sports, or business, we must “engage in two distinct but equally powerful states of mind: the Learning Zone and the Performance Zone.”

This book draws a lot of inspiration from Carol Dweck’s book Mindset, which is about fostering a growth mindset. Growth mindset is the belief that we can grow and change our abilities through dedication and hard work. It proposes that nobody is stuck where they are—we can all grow and change if we challenge ourselves—and the best way to do this is deliberate practice in the areas where we lack desired skills.

Believe it or not, there are good and bad ways to learn and practice. When asked about practicing, Legendary violinist Leopold Auer once said that “it really doesn’t matter how long. If you practice with your fingers, no amount is enough. If you practice with your head, two hours is plenty.” One of the traps that many of us fall into is practicing elements of our craft that we are already good at. This, again, is not proper practice. In order to be our best we should be challenging ourselves to practice difficult or brand new skills that we can then add to our repertoire. This Learning Zone is one half of the performance paradox.

The other half is the performance part, which many of us get stuck in once we have achieved a certain level of competence. “I already know how to give a presentation,” we might think. “Why would I practice something I already know?” Well, why do professional athletes still have practices in between matches or competitions? Because there are always areas for improvement if we look for them, and simply relying on our performance to expose where the weak areas are often does not uncover them. Sometimes, we can learn while doing (as opposed to learn by doing, a term which our author rejects). This can happen when we make a mistake during a performance which we revisit later to diagnose what went wrong and correct it. Stand-up comedians do this when they test new jokes in front of an audience and gauge the response. Generally, however, it is best to dedicate learning and practice time for making mistakes (because “mistakes are fundamental to continuous improvement”) and when we are in the performance zone, we should focus on doing our best.

When we take this concept from the individual to the collective, it is still applicable: teams need to foster learning environments as well in order to continually improve. One of the most important aspects of being on a team with a growth mindset is eliciting feedback from other group members. We must have the humility to ask where they believe we can improve our work, and we must likewise be truthful with our feedback of others. Fostering a work environment that is supportive of feedback and does not perceive it as negative or attacking is of paramount importance.

As recent research cited in this book shows, engaging in continual learning is tremendously beneficial. “We gain a sense of wonder and awe from our explorations and discoveries; a decrease in anxiety from knowing that we can overcome challenges; personal satisfaction from the growth of our skills and contributions; and greater happiness and well-being as we learn to brush off hiccups and deepen relationships.” The lesson is simple: No matter how good we get at any skill, continuing to make time for practice and learning is key to always performing our best.

[Sarah Cupitt]

You can so tell this was written by a keynote speaker:

Main notes:
- A lot of us are working harder than ever, with little to show for it aside from a recurring case of burnout. (a chronic problem that requires a new approach to work) In fact, it can lead to what the author refers to as “chronic performance.” It's like you're stuck on a never ending treadmill, and all that constant effort is having a detrimental impact on your skills, confidence, and overall well-being.
- The five elements are identity, purpose, beliefs, habits, and community.
- When your goals are properly focused on improving the lives of others, your efforts can have a broader impact on communities and society.

Notes:
- Think of it as two zones: the Performance Zone and the Learning Zone. The key to breaking free from the cycle of chronic performance is to engage in both zones.
- A growth mindset is all about understanding and believing that you can continue to grow and learn new skills and talents – no matter where you are in your career. For you to break free of the performance paradox, you must develop a growth mindset and believe you can change.
- You may have heard that one of the best ways to get good at something is to learn by doing. But is that really true? Wouldn't it be more accurate to say that the best approach is to learn while doing?
- Other mistakes can be aha-moment mistakes, they can reveal a problem in the system that needs fixing.

[Brenda Yoho · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Performance Paradox - Eduardo Briceño

I had the privilege of reviewing Eduardo Briceño's upcoming book before its release. I wholeheartedly endorse Eduardo Briceño’s latest book, which has been distinguished as a “must-read” by the Next Big Idea Club, a group curated by influential thinkers such as Malcolm Gladwell, Adam Grant, Susan Cain, and Daniel Pink.

As someone committed to lifelong learning, I resonate deeply with Eduardo's insights. His approach to seamlessly integrating learning into our daily work, leveraging mistakes for professional growth, and incorporating training into our routines is immensely valuable. I'm excited to implement some of his methods and recommendations into my coaching practice. I will be sharing this book with all of the individuals I am mentoring.

Eduardo's book offers a treasure trove of new skills and strategies to enhance your abilities as a growth mindset leader. It delves into the critical equilibrium between LEARNING and PERFORMING, elucidating why mastering this balance is key to achieving your most ambitious goals. Prepare to empower your teams to reach their loftiest aspirations! The key to achieving success is in capturing What am I working on? Who will I become? Connecting your purpose and identity-(Beliefs, Habits and Community)

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tackles the counterintuitive idea that focusing solely on performing at our best can sometimes hinder long-term growth. The author introduces the concept of the "performance zone," where we strive to excel, and contrasts it with the "learning zone," where experimentation, feedback, and mistakes drive improvement. He explains that true progress comes from balancing these zones effectively rather than getting stuck in a cycle of doing the same things over and over to maintain performance. Through vivid examples, like athletes pushing boundaries or businesses adapting to change, Briceño illustrates how mindset shifts and deliberate practice can foster sustainable development in personal and professional contexts.

I thought the book was insightful and practical, offering clear frameworks to help readers navigate challenges and improve their approach to growth. Briceño’s use of stories and studies brought the concepts to life, making it easier to relate to and apply his ideas. While I found some sections a bit repetitive, the overall message was powerful: progress requires stepping back from perfection and leaning into the discomfort of learning. This is a must-read for anyone feeling stuck in their current performance and seeking strategies to unlock their potential. One to add to the ever growing hard copy bookshelf for sure.

[Patrick Kann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Performance Paradox is a literary gem that stands as a beacon of inspiration and wisdom in the realm of personal development and performance enhancement. It's a book that not only challenges existing beliefs but also equips readers with the tools and mindset required to achieve greatness. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who seeks to elevate their performance, embrace their potential, and embark on a transformative journey toward excellence.

A commendable aspect of the book is Briceño's exploration of the Performance Paradox itself—the idea that focusing too much on performance can hinder our growth. This paradox is a profound concept that challenges societal norms and encourages readers to rethink their approach to success. It's a refreshing perspective that has the potential to transform lives.

Eduardo Briceño has undoubtedly crafted a masterpiece that will continue to inspire and empower generations to come.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

EDUARDO BRICENO - THE PERFORMANCE PARADOX 8/10


Book 1 of 2024.


In "The Performance Paradox," the author emphasizes the limitation of repetitive actions in achieving growth. While consistent effort initially leads to improvement, Briceño argues that true advancement requires more than just routine. 


The book challenges the common belief that continuous performance in the same manner leads to sustained progress. Briceño advocates for a shift from the "performance zone" to the "learning zone," encouraging readers to embrace change and explore new skills. With a focus on breaking chronic performance habits, the book promises to revolutionize the approach to growth mindset, offering a refreshing perspective for thriving in both work and life. 


Groundbreaking and empowering, "The Performance Paradox" serves as a guide to transcending stagnant routines and fostering a growth mindset conducive to long-term success.

[Laura Skladzinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Performance Paradox describes the focus so many of us place on performing (and being perfect) vs learning and making mistakes, and argues that people and organizations should foster growth mindsets and consciously switch between learning and performing for best results. Author Edurado Briceno incorporates a lot of research from familiar social scientists like Carol Dweck (love!) but refreshes the studies to give them new color, and I found this really thought-provoking and enlightening rather than stale. It did fall into the trap of repeating the same info a lot of different ways, but that was mitigated by Briceno’s use of “big ideas” (short summaries) at the beginning of each chapter that kept you focused on the takeaways from the myriad examples. Highly, highly recommend this book for anyone in the corporate world!

[Rob Maloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a better teammate, leader, and friend because of this book!

As a student of Growth Mindset and a lifelong learner, I'm always searching for the lessons in every engagement. But Eduardo has done an incredible job of compiling such quality takeaways in one extensive, accessible resource so myself and others like me don't need to search far.

Not only is it filled with profound, actionable insights, and easy to relate to examples and stories, but also, it's a conscious reminder to all of us how we can unlock and propel our true best by engaging in both the Learning AND Performance Zones at the same time.

I'm recommending to everyone who cares about being the best that they can be and wants to empower your teams to drive positive lasting relationships & max results!

[Sarah Sambles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fresh perspective on how to get the most out of yourself or your team. It challenges the belief (which so many of us unconsciously hold) that if I just try harder, I'll have more success. Instead, Eduardo shows us how crucial it is to recognize there are two zones in life: the learning zone and the performance zone. And actually, we get better performance when we spend time in the learning zone.

There are a ton of business examples of successful learning, as well as detailed practical steps that leaders and organizations can take to ensure their environment is one which accepts risks and mistakes, and truly allows for learning.

[Mir Shahzad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

To achieve personal and collective growth, we need to engage in the Learning Zone. For this to happen, the right conditions must be in place. Organizations and teams must work with a foundation of trust and purpose, creating a culture of psychological safety and promoting frequent feedback. Leaders must foster this environment and support both learning and performance. Start with clarity and establish northstar goals that can bring about positive changes in communities and society. With identity, purpose, and effectiveness, we can embrace the Learning Zone as a fundamental skill in navigating the complexities of the twenty-first century.

[Oscar Velde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eduardo Briseño in this great book explain using real life examples effective strategies and techniques to get out of the performance paradox and embrace both Learning and performance zones in our lives and in the organizations.

As part of the Continuous improvement culture, people and organizations need to prioritize development and Learning , not only Performance which Is important to obtain results in the short- term but in order to avoid chronic performance , and to be more sustainable , improving in the long term both performance and Learning zones are neccesary to be considered, this will promote a Growth mindset.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Performance Paradox is a deeply insightful and inspiring book. The case studies are really entertaining and resonate. One of the aspects of this book that I found so surprising was that I not only gleaned insights about myself in my work life and as a professional, but also in my personal life. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone seeking to spark growth, learning and change personally, professionally and with a team you may lead.

[Steve Brock · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Stevo’s Novel Ideas, I am a long-time book reviewer, member of the media, an Influencer, and a content provider. I received this book as a review copy from either the author, the publisher, or a publicist. I have not been compensated for this recommendation. I have selected it as Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 9/3, as it stands heads above other recently published books on this topic.

[Melissa Clancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of the book had me hooked with its engaging storytelling and thought-provoking ideas drawing from his powerful TED talk. A key take-away is that in order learn and improve, we must develop and implement habits and strategies the support growth (which he shares).

However for the second half of the book, I wish he gave more examples from the field of education, as the book predominantly focuses on anecdotes from the business world.

[Lee Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most interesting book and very timely.

He emphasizes two points over the course of the book: you must portray abilities and qualities as maleable, and you must set up structures and habits for the performance and learning zones.

He stresses that mere performance will never produce the results we seek because we always come up against something we do not know. Merely working harder will not produce the desired results. We must enter Into a learning zone to gain the insights and skills redes to get us to the next level.

Ample resources are mixed throughout the book if you wish to study in greater detail the concepts in the book.

He has many illustrations and examples of his concepts.

Highly recommended

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great building block of the research and book Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck. Mr. Briceno provides information for organizations to move towards the learning end of the spectrum. Moving away from fixed mindsets can benefit all levels of organizations everywhere. Well worth the time investment to read.

[Mircea Purcaru · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ideea de baza a cartii este ca, de cele mai multe ori, trebuie sa te axezi pe proces, nu pe rezultat, pentru a obtine cele mai bune rezultate.
Doar ca, aceasta idee este spusa in peste 300 de pagini, privind problema din toate unghiurile posibile. Ar fi putut avea 100 de pagini si era tot la fel de valoroasa cartea.