No Bullsh!t Leadership — “Moment 155: 5 Steps to Reverse a Performance Slump”

Host: Martin G Moore
Date: January 11, 2026

Overview

In this “Moments with Marty” short episode, Martin G Moore draws inspiration from a dramatic NFL performance slump to share a practical, five-step process for leaders to recognize and reverse their own dips in performance. Moore emphasizes the universality of performance challenges—whether in sports or leadership—and focuses on actionable steps to regain confidence and effectiveness when a slump strikes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Bret Maher Example

• [00:25–01:44]

  • Moore recounts the story of Dallas Cowboys’ kicker Brett Maher, who experienced an uncharacteristic performance drop, missing six out of seven critical kicks despite a career average of 95%.
  • This real-world sports analogy sets up the broader leadership lesson: Even top performers can suddenly hit a slump.

  “I could feel the confidence draining from him, like watching a car tyre slowly deflating.”
  — Martin G Moore [01:44]

2. Understanding Performance Slumps

• [01:44–02:07]
  • Moore underscores how a crisis of confidence can happen without warning, impacting even seasoned leaders.
  • Recognition is the first step—don't ignore or rationalize a prolonged dip in results.

3. Martin’s Five-Step Process to Reverse a Performance Slump

• Step 1: Look at the Evidence

  • [02:07–02:33]

    • Examine your performance data objectively: Is the slump real or just self-doubt?
    • Reference to episode 229 for deeper analysis of “confidence, arrogance, and self-doubt.”

    "It’s really important to look at any slump in the context of your historical performance... is there actually hard evidence of declining performance?”
    — Martin G Moore [02:13]

• Step 2: Confirm Your Self-Assessment with Someone You Trust

  • [02:33–02:58]

    • Seek independent feedback because leadership seldom offers immediate results.
    • Trusted advisors can provide insights you might have missed.

    "Your slump may not be quite as obvious... in leadership, you don't always get immediate feedback in such an irrefutable way..."
    — Martin G Moore [02:36]

• Step 3: Ask Yourself, What’s Changed?

  • [02:58–03:29]

    • Identify when and why the downturn began—finding a trigger or root cause.
    • This gives you the best chance to fix the issue before it spirals.

    “If you can pinpoint a specific event, it's more likely that you'll get to the root cause of the problem.”
    — Martin G Moore [03:13]

• Step 4: Visualize, Breathe and Meditate

  • [03:29–04:04]

    • Reset your physical and mental states to avoid the fight-or-flight spiral.
    • Moore emphasizes the power of mental routines and calm breathing to regain control.

    "When you freak out, your pulse rate increases, you sweat... This can derail the most basic of activities, so you need a mental routine to rebuild your confidence.”
    — Martin G Moore [03:37]

• Step 5: Go Back to Basics

  • [04:04–04:41]

    • If nothing else works, rely on your core skills, habits, and foundational routines.
    • Trust the processes that made you successful in the first place.

    “When the results seem to be weirdly unattainable, go back to basics. Focus on the process and trust that it’s going to bring you back up to where you’ve always been.”
    — Martin G Moore [04:15]

4. Reassurance and Next Steps

• [04:41–05:10]

  • Believe in your ability to recover; slumps are temporary if tackled proactively.
  • Moore recommends episode 236 (“It’s all in the mind”) for a deeper dive on confidence and performance resets.

  "You have to believe that no slump is permanent and that you have the ability to return to your previous level of performance."
  — Martin G Moore [04:41]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I could feel the confidence draining from him, like watching a car tyre slowly deflating.”
  — Martin G Moore [01:44]

• “It’s really important to look at any slump in the context of your historical performance... is there actually hard evidence of declining performance?”
  — Martin G Moore [02:13]

• “If you can pinpoint a specific event, it's more likely that you'll get to the root cause of the problem.”
  — Martin G Moore [03:13]

• “When you freak out, your pulse rate increases, you sweat... so you need a mental routine to rebuild your confidence.”
  — Martin G Moore [03:37]

• “Go back to basics. Focus on the process and trust that it’s going to bring you back up.”
  — Martin G Moore [04:15]

• “You have to believe that no slump is permanent and that you have the ability to return to your previous level of performance.”
  — Martin G Moore [04:41]

Essential Timestamps

• [00:25] NFL analogy introduction
• [02:07] Step 1: Look at the evidence
• [02:33] Step 2: Confirm with a trusted advisor
• [02:58] Step 3: What’s changed?
• [03:29] Step 4: Visualize, breathe, meditate
• [04:04] Step 5: Back to basics
• [04:41] Encouragement and next steps

Final Takeaway

Martin G Moore delivers a concise, experience-based framework for leaders facing a slump—aiming to destigmatize performance drops and empower leaders with clear, actionable steps to quickly regain their edge. This “no bullshit” roadmap is filled with practical wisdom and grounded optimism, perfect for any leader in need of a confidence reset.

For further exploration, check out episodes 229 (“Confidence, Arrogance and Self Doubt”) and 236 (“It’s All in the Mind”).