Tawn Albright of Bowstring is an award-winning Executive Coach. He works with leaders at all levels from start-ups to multinationals.
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In my professional journey, I've consistently used an impactful yet often overlooked strategic decision-making tool, which has become a cornerstone of numerous coaching conversations. I refer to this tool as "A World Without Sevens." This approach involves using a scale of one to 10 to assess situations, ranging from the significance of a problem to the performance of a team or individual.
The catch? A strict prohibition on choosing seven as an option. Instead, individuals are forced to opt for either a six or an eight, prompting a shift in mindset and fostering creative and critical thinking. This simple yet effective tactic allows one to better gauge the true severity of a situation and formulate actionable strategies. While versatile in application, it proves particularly valuable when identifying the magnitude of a problem, evaluating team performance and fostering individual growth.
Unmasking The True Magnitude Of Problems
Leaders encounter problems regularly, with some easily resolved while others linger and affect productivity. A World Without Sevens provides a unique lens through which to view these challenges.
Suppose someone rates the severity of a problem as a seven on a scale of one to 10. The tactic prompts them to reconsider: "If you couldn't choose seven, is it closer to a six or an eight?" This reframing encourages a deeper analysis, exploring what it would take to shift the problem to an eight or dial it down to a six. By eliminating the middle ground, individuals can pinpoint the actual magnitude of the problem, swiftly identify action items and devise effective strategies for resolution.
Team And Individual Assessment
A World Without Sevens serves as a potent tool for assessing both teams and individual contributors. Employing a scale of one to 10 with seven excluded helps quickly identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.
For team assessments, leaders might ask, "On a scale of one to 10, excluding seven, how would you rate Team X?" For ratings falling between one and six, the follow-up question becomes, "What would it take to elevate them to an eight?" This approach encourages a constructive dialogue, exploring potential hurdles and solutions. It helps unveil not only overall team dynamics but also any specific individuals or leaders who are impeding progress.
Driving Growth And Progress
Leadership often entails propelling initiatives forward, from overarching strategies to daily problem-solving. A World Without Sevens proves invaluable in assessing progress. Leaders can inquire, "On a scale of one to 10, with no sevens, where are you in moving X forward?" If the response falls between one and six, the subsequent question becomes, "What's needed to reach an eight?" Conversely, if the answer is eight, nine or 10, the focus shifts to sustaining and optimizing success. This approach streamlines decision-making, allowing individuals to address roadblocks and uncertainties, thereby making directionally correct decisions that foster innovation.
In essence, A World Without Sevens is a simple yet transformative concept that empowers individuals to navigate situations with clarity and purpose. By encouraging a strategic approach to problem-solving, team assessment and progress tracking, this concept enables individuals to make informed decisions and propel themselves forward. Embrace this tactic as a daily tool, and witness how it brings about a positive shift in your decision-making process, helping to relieve anxiety and paving the way for innovation.
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