Tip the Scale(s)
Harness the power of the numbers. And brownies.
This week in my Executive Coaching training, I revisited a common technique that’s ace for quantifying issues and finding a way through them. Scaling is simply the “on a scale of 0-10” question applied to a specific issue. When you’re spiralling down about something, the first quick scaling question can disrupt and jolt you back to reality, pronto.
But it’s the series of follow up questions, not the first one, where the real power lies. You can work through this approach with your coach or line manager, but it’s also a dead easy exercise to use to self-coach. Don’t just do it in your head - write it down - there is additional power in the physical act of writing.
So grab your blank piece of paper, landscape and draw a scale from left (0) to right (10). At the top, write the thing you’re considering - name the issue or the niggle.
Then work through this question set, takes about 15-30 minutes tops…
Describe 10 (perfection) - what does it look and feel like? Be as specific and granular as possible.
Where are you now, and why? Include why your score isn’t lower, what you’ve done already. (Note - if your score is zero, challenge yourself - because by even doing this exercise and confronting the thing, that’s something nudging you towards at least a 1 😊)
What number would be GOOD ENOUGH, and what would this look like? I bloody love this question. The challenge with scaling is that it comes with an innate assumption that 10 is always the right answer. This question gives you permission to say otherwise!
What options would move you a number or two up the scale? Key here is to keep going, brainstorm as many choices and options as possible - at this stage, quantity of ideas trumps quality. And remember, you don’t have to get to perfect, just to a bit better than where you are now.
Which option would be easiest to implement? Which option would have the biggest impact? This question pair helps you narrow your options to find both a quick win, and a more meaningful solution, both of which can be profoundly helpful. And if your easy to implement option is also a high impact one, then that’s a bonus!
What will you do? How will you celebrate it? Less is more here, so picking one or two immediate next steps to move you up the scale is key. And celebrating success along the way increases motivation and commitment, so don’t forget to recognise and celebrate progress.
I used this technique myself this week on an issue that was bothering me. It helped me realise that I wasn’t starting from zero (even though it felt like it!), that my expectations of perfection were unhelpful on this occasion, and that about a 7 was good enough. It then enabled me to identify two micro actions to get things moving, which I was able to achieve. It’s now 8am on a Sunday morning and I am celebrating by eating chocolate brownies for breakfast. This last step may or may not be advisable, but it is definitely working for me 🙌🎉
Let me know what you think of scaling (or brownies) in the comments!