PP86 : Three Mental Models for Strategic Productivity

Strategy, at its most basic, is about building awareness and planning action. While some folks might seem more gifted in strategic thinking, everyone can learn to do it at a basic level of competency. Let me share 3 mental models with you I find the most helpful.

Questions for Clarity

Questions are powerful things. Usually, the more clarity I am trying to find, the more questions need to be asked. Here are two of my favorite ones in one-on-one coaching and group work.

  1. What do I want more of?

  2. What do I want less of?

Design

Part of strategic productivity is understanding WHAT you are trying to do. This is difficult if we remain in an emotional and reactive state. This model gets you out of it. Initially developed by Toyota, the 5 Why’s are a great way to get into exact design of the the problem you are trying to solve.

Awareness

Part of awareness is understanding what you can actually do. This little diagram helps you both name your worries, and then begin to do something about them.

Previous
Previous

PP87 : Three Things You Don’t Need To Worry About (in the new year).

Next
Next

PP85 : 4 Levels of Productivity