I recently worked with a team of talented, motivated and busy managers who, as part of their team meetings took a ‘temperature check’ asking each member to rate how they felt, out of 5 at the moment.
Somewhat predictably the scores ranged from 2 (the person who was swamped in projects) through assured 3s and a 4 (the optimist who just loves the challenge).
I took this opportunity to pose the silly question of what a 5 might be?
The answers were interesting and began to unlock the possibility that a 5 might exist. Each team member viewed a 5 situation differently. For some it was about a sense of completion, for others it was recognition, noticeable impact, smiling more, learning, and celebrating and so on. Much of the criteria for a 5 was off the agenda and considered out of reach.
I even sensed a hint of guilt about the thought of letting oneself experience a 5! How ridiculous. I go to work seeking 5 out of 5 days; most of the most successful people with whom I have worked have more 5 days than any other.
Is it simply a shift of mind setting? Perhaps, check this out in the newsletter ‘Set-up’.
In order to move this particular team on and continue to open up the possibility of a 5 in their lives it was time to simplify.
Rather than create a vision of a 5 day, how about a 5 out of 5 moment or hour or morning. What might the circumstances be? We worked through a few questions and came up with each person’s recipe.
So my challenge to you this week is to consider the possibility of a 5 out of 5 day. It needs to start well and be focused on what leads you to that 5 feeling.
Consider how you would start that day, where would you focus first, who would you spend time with?
Go on, simplify and create some 5 out of 5s
Good luck, keep it simple and be great
Simon