Andy Lane
University of Wolverhampton
Richard Lane
Profiling optimal performance:
A case study of peak
performance in foreign
exchange dealing and boxing
environments
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
OptimizeFX, Broxbourne, UK
Helen Lane
Winning Lane Ltd
Correspondence to:
A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk
Profiling optimal performance: A case study of peak
performance in foreign exchange dealing and boxing
environments
Andy Lane
University of Wolverhampton
Richard Lane
OptimizeFX, Broxbourne, UK
Helen Lane
Winning Lane Ltd
Correspondence to:
A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk
PURPOSE
This case study aims to explore
emotional intelligence and emotional
states associated with optimal
performance in two high-performance
environments.
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
Profiling optimal performance: A case study of peak
performance in foreign exchange dealing and boxing
environments
Andy Lane
University of Wolverhampton
Richard Lane
OptimizeFX, Broxbourne, UK
Helen Lane
Winning Lane Ltd
Correspondence to:
A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk
METHODS
An experienced foreign exchange dealer
whom also competed as an amateur boxer
completed mood measures and offered
qualitative in relation to optimal performance
states related to each environment.
Mood was completed retrospectively
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
Profiling optimal performance: A case study of peak
performance in foreign exchange dealing and boxing
environments
Andy Lane
University of Wolverhampton
Richard Lane
OptimizeFX, Broxbourne, UK
Helen Lane
Winning Lane Ltd
Correspondence to:
A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk
METHODS
Research in sport typically assesses athletes
memories of emotional states before optimal
and dysfunctional performance (see Hanin,
2000)
The present study utilised a similar approach
but used a standardised questionnaire.
Interview data were used to supplement
questionnaire data.
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
Profiling optimal performance: A case study of peak
performance in foreign exchange dealing and boxing
environments
Andy Lane
University of Wolverhampton
Richard Lane
OptimizeFX, Broxbourne, UK
Helen Lane
Winning Lane Ltd
Correspondence to:
A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk
Emotional Intelligence
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Appraisal of
Appraisal of own
others emotions
emotions
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
optimism
regulation
social skills
utlisation
Profiling optimal performance: A case study of peak
performance in foreign exchange dealing and boxing
environments
Andy Lane
University of Wolverhampton
Richard Lane
OptimizeFX, Broxbourne, UK
Helen Lane
Winning Lane Ltd
Correspondence to:
A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk
RESULTS
Emotional intelligence data indicate
high scores for regulation of
emotions, awareness of own
emotions, and social skills (regulation
of others emotions).
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
Profiling optimal performance: A case study of peak
performance in foreign exchange dealing and boxing
environments
Andy Lane
University of Wolverhampton
Richard Lane
OptimizeFX, Broxbourne, UK
Helen Lane
Winning Lane Ltd
Correspondence to:
A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk
RESULTS
Results indicated comparative
emotional profiles between optimal
performance, although optimal
boxing performance was linked with
high calmness and happiness.
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
Profiling optimal performance: A case study of peak
performance in foreign exchange dealing and boxing
environments
Andy Lane
University of Wolverhampton
Richard Lane
OptimizeFX, Broxbourne, UK
Helen Lane
Winning Lane Ltd
Correspondence to:
A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk
RESULTS
Tension was motivational when coupled with
positive emotions, and de-motivational when
experienced with depression (Lane & Terry,
2000). Findings indicate the potential
transferability of emotional control training
between sport and occupational
environments.
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
Profiling optimal performance: A case study of peak
performance in foreign exchange dealing and boxing
environments
Andy Lane
University of Wolverhampton
Richard Lane
OptimizeFX, Broxbourne, UK
Helen Lane
Winning Lane Ltd
Correspondence to:
A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk
Emotions in sport
16
14
12
Best sport
10
Worst sport
8
6
4
2
0
V
ur
o
ig
ss
e
n
pi
p
Ha
Ca
ss
e
n
lm
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
si
n
Te
on
er
g
An
sio
s
e
pr
e
D
n
ue
it g
Fa
Profiling optimal performance: A case study of peak
performance in foreign exchange dealing and boxing
environments
Andy Lane
University of Wolverhampton
Richard Lane
OptimizeFX, Broxbourne, UK
Helen Lane
Winning Lane Ltd
Correspondence to:
A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk
Emotions at work
16
14
12
10
Best work
8
Worst work
6
4
2
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
Fa
t ig
ue
n
si
o
D
ep
re
s
ng
er
A
on
Te
ns
i
m
ne
ss
C
al
H
ap
pi
ne
ss
V
ig
ou
r
0
Discussion
 Sporting competition shares many desirable traits for success in
business because athletes need to manage their emotions, be
goal focused, engage in activities to prepare for high-level
performance, and be able to manage immediate and sometimes
unpleasant feedback
 Sport performance differs to business performance in a number
of ways (Jones, 2002). Sport performance is discrete in that there
are boundaries regarding when the competition starts and ends,
whereas in business, performance is far more open and not
always clear who is the opposition, when the game starts, and
how performance is evaluated.
 However, the analogy between business and sport
performance crystallises at a micro level, for example,
giving a presentation to the board, making a sales pitch,
or trading in financial markets. When business people
see performance as analogous to sport performance,
providing a framework in which there is a start and end
of each ‘competition’, and deciding how success is to be
defined, then skills learned playing sport begins to have
direct relevance to skills in business.
 The ability to manage emotions has been cited as a key
aspect to both sport performance and business
performance (Lane, 2007). Recent research has found
that emotionally intelligent athletes can get themselves
into a psychological state linked to optimum
performance in different domains of their life (see Lane,
2007).
 For individuals to be able to maximise the transfer of
this regulation of emotion from sport to business, they
need to be conscious of their ability to achieve this
process.
 In the case of the foreign exchange present above,
foreign exchange trading has strong parallels with
performance in sport – goal orientated, competitive,
clear outcomes (win or lose) against clear opposition –
the market. It is punctuated by a series of events or
games of varying intensity and duration - an emotional
rollercoaster especially as the reasoning behind shortterm moves in the market are often difficult to pinpoint.
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
 The ability to control emotions, remain calm and focus on the
task in hand is as important in sport as it is in foreign exchange
dealing. To illustrate this point, consider a trader who loses focus
whilst quoting prices to clients. He/she may end up with an
unprofitable foreign exchange exposure by missing a move in the
market. In such conditions, when a trader is losing money, it is all
too common to ‘overtrade’ in an attempt to recover losses quickly.
The subsequent trading decisions are made under duress, with
higher risk and often with less rationale than normal.
 This is a situation that can easily snowball into a vicious circle of
poor risk/reward resulting in losses that initiate further futile
attempts to scramble money back. A strong parallel is the football
team, who with only five minutes to go throw everything into their
opponents’ half – a ‘do or die’ attitude.
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure
Psychological skill usage in
business and sport
Psychological
skills
Imagery to cope
with unpleasant
emotions
Communication
Where it can be
applied
“dealing with a
difficult
colleague”
“negotiating my
goals with
employer”
Emotional control “preparing to start
the race”
Control of
attention and
concentration
Evaluation
“I found that I could chose the best action for
the situation rather get caught up in the
emotion of the situation”
“I found my employer was willing to be flexible
with work hours as well as tasks to be
completed”
“I realised that there were many things I could
prepare the day before and developing a set
routine was an excellent strategy for reducing
anxiety before the race”
“managing the
“I found that using positive self-talk that was
sensation of
very personal to me, made me feel invincible
fatigue in the last and enabled me to focus on running faster
mile”
and not on the fatigue in my legs”
Suggestions
 Use psychological skills such as imagery and positive self-talk to
prepare for coping with pressure (both in terms of competition
and work). Think of specific situations where you will need to be
in control of your thoughts and emotions and mentally rehearse
performing these situations.
 Establish outcome (i.e., finishing times, winning contests, sales
figures, performance targets) and process goals (i.e., running
technique, swimming techniques, being relaxed under pressure)
which are relevant and will bring about success
 Be aware that performance occurs in a social context; discuss
your goals with employers and coach. This means discussing
issues related to achieving your goal, and explain that you are
committed to achieve these goals.
Profiling optimal performance: A case study of peak
performance in foreign exchange dealing and boxing
environments
Andy Lane
University of Wolverhampton
Richard Lane
OptimizeFX, Broxbourne, UK
Helen Lane
Winning Lane Ltd
Correspondence to:
A.M.Lane2@wlv.ac.uk
CONCLUSIONS & RELEVANCE
This case study provides evidence that
shows intense emotions in both sport
and work situations.
Future research should develop
strategies to enhance emotional control
that transfer between situations.
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure