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Welcome to Peak Performer. I'm Larry Maguire, a work and organisational psychologist. Some people refer to my field as industrial-organisational psychology or occupational psychology. My primary interest lies in understanding the behaviour and performance of individuals in the workplace. This broad field encompasses various topics, including leadership, motivation, well-being, and the mental skills required to perform optimally at work.
One of my core philosophies is that meaningful work, which holds personal significance and purpose, naturally benefits others and leads to personal fulfilment. This approach aligns with intrinsic motivation theories, where the primary drive comes from within rather than external rewards like profit. When we engage in work that matters to us, it often resonates with others, eventually leading to financial sustainability, though this is not the primary goal.
In my professional practice, I operate on three main fronts. First, I work as a private practice psychologist, assisting individuals in addressing challenges related to their work, career, and personal lives. It's essential to recognise that work and personal life are intertwined; issues in one area inevitably affect the other. This overlap has become even more pronounced with the rise of remote work, blurring the lines between home and office.
Second, I teach through various mediums. I conduct workshops and deliver talks on leadership, motivation, and wellness at work. Additionally, I offer online courses through the Peak Performer platform. These courses cover various topics and are free, providing lifetime access or live interactions, depending on the format.
The third aspect of my work involves creating content. I write articles author books and produce this podcast to disseminate insights and knowledge. The content I create is based on extensive research and practice in psychology, drawing from the field's 150-year history, starting with pioneers like Wilhelm Wundt1 and Francis Galton2. Despite his controversial legacy, Galton significantly influenced early psychological studies, particularly in personality and behaviour.
Modern psychological research often delves into the interaction between genetics and the environment, known as epigenetics. This field examines how our genetic makeup and environmental factors influence each other, shaping our development and behaviour. While this is a complex area with no definitive answers, it highlights the dynamic nature of human psychology.
Success, as I perceive it, is deeply rooted in psychological well-being. Our mental and emotional states significantly impact our performance. For instance, in sports, two equally matched teams may have different outcomes based on their psychological readiness. Factors such as anxiety, stress, and burnout can severely affect performance, underscoring the importance of mental health in achieving success.
Understanding motivation is crucial in this context. Self-Determination Theory, developed by Edward Deci and Richard Ryan3, is a foundational concept in my work. This theory distinguishes intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, suggesting that people are naturally driven by intrinsic factors, such as personal growth and fulfilment, rather than external rewards. Creating environments that foster intrinsic motivation is more effective than attempting to motivate individuals directly.
In the Peak Performer podcast, I explore these themes extensively, providing actionable insights based on both research and practical experience. Whether through articles, workshops, or this podcast, my goal is to offer valuable content that can be applied to enhance your work and personal life.
If you're interested in exploring these topics further, I encourage you to engage with the Peak Performer platform. There, you'll find detailed courses and workshops designed to help you navigate and improve various aspects of your professional and personal life. Additionally, I offer one-on-one sessions for more personalised guidance in person and online.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope the content I share helps you achieve peak performance in all areas of your life. Please reach out if you have any feedback or specific topics you'd like me to cover. Your input is invaluable in shaping the content I create. See you in the next episode of Peak Performer. All the best.
Sign up here to get new articles, episodes and other content to your inbox. For one-to-one coaching, go here. To hire me for talks and workshops, get in touch here or post a comment on any article.
References
Wundt, W. (1874). Grundzüge der physiologischen Psychologie. Leipzig: Wilhelm Engelmann.
Galton, F. (1883). Inquiries into Human Faculty and Its Development. London: Macmillan.
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. New York: Plenum.
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