Books We Like – The Chimp Paradox, Prof. Steve Peters

Books We Like 

The Chimp Paradox, Prof. Steve Peters  

Leading consultant psychiatrist Steve Peters knows more than anyone how impulsive behaviour or nagging self-doubt can impact negatively on our professional and personal lives. In this, his first book, Steve shares his phenomenally successful mind-management programme that has been used to help elite athletes and senior managers alike to conquer their fears and operate with greater control, focus and confidence.

A good reason to read

Dr Steve Peters is a Consultant Psychiatrist and has worked in the clinical field of psychiatry for over 20 years. Dr Peters works with CEOs, senior executives, students, hospital staff and patients, helping them to understand why they think and act as they do and how to manage their minds to optimise their performance at work and in their personal lives.

Useful tactics to implement

Dr Steve Peters uses a change triangle which is particularly relevant to assisting and coaching change in behaviour in a professional environment. Through clearly identifying the current position you are in and the objective, Peters uses a model which identifies Essential, Significant and Desirable behaviours and actions. Utilised effectively, we have found this to be an excellent model to achieve change.

Professional Sports

The mind programme that helped me win my Olympic Golds –Sir Chris Hoy

Dr Peters resident psychiatrist with the British Cycling and Sky ProCycling teams. Sir Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Victoria Pendleton have spoken publicly about how Dr Peters’ unique model has helped them improve their performance.

Who should read this book?

This book is particularly relevant if you are seeking to add to your repertoire of coaching techniques to understand your own mind and to encourage those around you (professional and personal) to focus on matters that are in your own control. There are a range of concepts that can be easily adapted into day to day life.