The Power of Pressure: Why Pressure Isn't the Problem, It's the Solution

by Dane Jensen

Overview

Be energized, but not overwhelmed

What’s the most pressure you’ve ever been under? How did you react? What helped? What didn’t? Over the past five years, Dane Jensen has asked these questions of thousands of high performers—from Olympic gold medalists to Navy SEALs, politicians, executives and busy parents. What has emerged from these conversations is that while everyone’s experiences under pressure are unique, pressure follows patterns and develops in predictable ways. If we can recognize the patterns, we can improve our ability to sidestep the biological traps that can sabotage us—and use the energy that accompanies pressure to thrive. The Power of Pressure combines the insights gathered from Jensen’s work with the latest research in biology and neuroscience to help you

• understand and use the “pressure equation” of importance, uncertainty and volume
• escape the traps of pressure with effective tools and tactics
• be ambidextrous so that you can handle pressure both in peak pressure moments and over the long haul
• reduce tension, sleep better and have more energy so that you can meet challenges head-on
• recognize pressure moments so that you can prepare for when you will likely the feel the heat 
• leverage strategies so that you can give everything you’ve got when it’s most important

And more! How we navigate our highest-pressure moments has a huge impact on the overall trajectory of our lives, both in terms of how successful we are and how much we enjoy the journey along the way. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781443461559
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	08/31/2021
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	558,441
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

DANE JENSEN is the CEO of Third Factor, an instructor at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and is affiliate faculty with the UNC Executive Development at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At Third Factor, he works to help leaders be more effective, creative and resilient under pressure. His work has spanned twenty-three countries on six continents. In addition to his corporate work, Dane works extensively with athletes, coaches, leaders and boards across Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic sport system to enhance national competitiveness. Dane Jensen lives in Toronto. Visit him at thirdfactor.com

 

Editorial Reviews

Imagine what you could accomplish if you could disarm your biggest pressures—then put their energy to work. Dane Jensen shows how in this timely book. Relentless pressures are here to stay. Get fresh advice from The Power of Pressure, for the next crisis or for your long-term performance.”

Amy Edmondson

This is the best book I’ve read on pressure and performance. If you want to win a championship, it’s not enough to just handle pressure. You need to use pressure to get better every day. The Power of Pressure lays out a clear set of tactics to help you use pressure as an advantage. If you’re on the lookout for practical ways to up your game when it matters most— read this book.

Nick Nurse

A leader’s quest for impact begins inside. That’s why I’m fired up about The Power of Pressure. Dane Jensen uses personal stories, brain/body research, and pressure-treated advice to demonstrate how to manage all kinds of forces to your benefit. The book is a remarkably useful guide for anyone looking to transform their leadership practice.

Alden Mills

Dane Jensen has already provided great help, wisdom, and insight to me and our staff at Canada Basketball—from working on our strategic planning to resilience training. Now, The Power of Pressure provides all of us with key learnings, strategies, and techniques to deal with the pressures we all face. Dane’s guidance can help make us more resilient, happier, and productive.

Glen Grunwald

Entertaining and insightful! Dane Jensen has disproven the notion that the only thing to be done about pressure is to cope with it. The Power of Pressure demonstrates how pressure can be transformed into growth. It lays out an easy-to-follow framework that is helpful to experienced and emerging leaders alike. A great resource for anyone who wants to excel under pressure.

Steven Goldbach

I’ve studied leadership for years, and I can tell you Dane Jensen’s The Power of Pressure is pure leadership alchemy. Dane is one of the first thought leaders to truly elaborate on the full value of pressure. He shares conversations with some of our most remarkable leaders about how pressure enhances their performance, and that’s gold in our pres- sure-packed world. Dane also shows us how to handle pressure the right way—not only to drive results but to improve the lives of those we lead. The Power of Pressure is a must-read for what we are likely going to call ‘our new decade of pressure.’

Thomas A. Kolditz

Insightful! The Power of Pressure will teach you to watch for the patterns and traps that hold you back from achieving your highest potential. Dane Jensen has provided the keys to lowering stress and freeing yourself to enjoy life!

Marshall Goldsmith

Dane Jensen’s book drills down to how we act when the heat’s on high— because how we manage our peak-pressure moments makes all the difference. Dane’s reader-friendly framework keeps everything simple. His research is fresh. And his inspiring stories help put best-in-class outcomes within reach again and again. No doubt, The Power of Pressure will be a game-changer for so many.

Matt Higgins

"In a noisy world where high-quality ideas really matter, I’m happy to discover Dane Jensen. The Power of Pressure is well timed, illuminating, and practical. You’ll learn how to nail the moments that matter—and you’ll also manage pressure to your benefit over the long term. Both skillsets are required of enduring leaders. Once you become a standout, you can teach Dane’s ‘pressure management’ to your people and gain an unassailable advantage for your organization."

Dorie Clark

I wish I could have read this when I was starting out. Dane Jensen has created an invaluable formula for understanding pressure and using it to drive innovation and overcome challenges. The Power of Pressure is an invaluable field guide to the age of pressure for the next generation of global leaders.”

Dr. Kevin Frey