Related Articles

Peak Performance Award finalists

Congratulations to the following outstanding companies, which were selected as finalists from a field of more than 130 nominees

Full Story
Pictures of 2007 Peak Performers
View special program guide as a PDF

About National University

National University is the second-largest, private, nonprofit institution of higher learning in California.

Full Story

National University School of Business and Management

The National University School of Business and Management (SOBM) provides its graduates a strong foundation and comprehensive understanding of global business practices, leading to professional recognition, advancement and higher income potential.

Full Story

Center for Organizational Excellence

The National University Center for Organizational Excellence (NU-COE) is a consortium of business and academic professionals that was organized in accordance with the university's strengths and principles to offer a premier source of outstanding organizational expertise in the areas of executive seminars and organizational consulting.

Full Story

Dr. Jerry C. Lee

Dr. Jerry C. Lee has served as Chancellor of the National University System since 2001, guiding the direction of the six affiliates of the system. From 1989 through July 2007, Dr. Lee also served as President of National University, championing its profound and measurable transformation.

Judging Panel

George Chamberlin

Executive Editor

San Diego Daily Transcript

Joe Guerin

Editor

San Diego Daily Transcript

Eileen Heveron

Vice President of Information Technology

National University

Jerry Kwasek

Business Development Manager

San Diego Daily Transcript

Barbara Warden

President

Downtown San Diego Partnership

Brent M. Wilsey

Registered Investment Advisor

Wilsey Asset Management

Don Zillioux

Founder/Chairman

Strategic Development Worldwide LLC

National University Peak Performance Award

The fact that individuals can experience momentary periods of superior performance on demand suggests that each of us has the potential to perform beyond normal expectations. Commonly referred to as peak performance, this ability to function at a heightened level at will for extended periods of time has long fascinated sports psychologists, scientists and academicians.

A more recent application of this concept has been logically extended to entire organizations that are capable of achieving peak performance. These peak performing organizations have the ability to sustain long-term performance that maximizes the potential of the individuals in the company as well as the overall organization.

The characteristics of peak performing organizations are not currently captured by established recognition awards. While it is true that peak performing organizations are by definition grounded in ethics and integrity, to be a truly great place to work, sustained excellence involves having the ability to perform these functions at a superior level for extended periods of time.

Several models have been developed that explain the factors associated with peak performing organizations. Now, for the first time, these factors have been incorporated into the criteria for the National University Peak Performance Award.

Award Criteria

Companies and organizations of all sizes are eligible to apply, including for-profits, notfor- profits, publics, and privates. Peak Performing Organizations will be evaluated in five areas (please see the attached application):

  1. Sustainability
  2. Clear, demonstrable vision, mission, purpose, and/or values
  3. Commitment to customers
  4. Commitment to employees
  5. Top-line profitability