Where Are You On The Stress-Performance Curve? – The Yerkes Dodson Performance Curve

Today, I want to talk about the Stress-Performance Curve and how the right level of pressure can enhance or hinder performance. This concept, known as the Inverted U, was first researched by Yerkes & Dodson in 1908 and remains highly relevant today – especially with insights from neuroscience.

The Inverted U: How Stress Affects Performance

Imagine a graph:
Low Pressure → Low Performance
Optimal Pressure → Peak Performance
High (Toxic) Pressure → Declining Performance

Low Pressure = Low Motivation
Without enough adrenaline, we lack focus, motivation, and energy, leading to sloppy performance.

Optimal Pressure = Peak Performance
With just the right amount of stress, we engage fully, stay motivated, and perform at our best.

High (Toxic) Pressure = Declining Performance
Beyond a certain point, too much stress causes the Prefrontal Cortex (our thinking brain) to shut down. This leads to:

• Poor decision-making
• Reduced memory and focus
• Emotional outbursts and loss of control

How to Manage Pressure for Yourself & Your Team

1. Identify the “Sweet Spot”

• Are you (or your team) in the optimal zone?
• If not, do you need more challenge or more support?

2. Build a Strong Support System

• Reframing stress as a challenge rather than a threat
• Encouraging mindfulness and stress management techniques
• Providing team support and perspective shifts

3. Watch for Signs of Toxic Stress

• Are performance and decision-making declining?
• Are emotions taking over rational thinking?
• Is burnout starting to set in?

If so, step back, adjust workload, and provide support before stress becomes destructive.

Key Takeaway

Stress is not the enemy—but mismanaged stress is. Understanding where you (and your team) are on the Stress-Performance Curve helps create high performance without burnout.

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With best regards,

David Klaasen

Talent4Performance help business leaders clarify complexity. We inspire people and drive continuous performance improvement, so they can convert thinking into action and results.

©David Klaasen – 2025