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Brain Circuits
Tricky decision? Time to get out the scales
We all face thorny decisions in the workplace. Use the AAA scaling tool to help decide quickly whether to invest your time in something new, such as accepting a task or undertaking a project.
The AAA scaling tool
The tool can be applied in two phases: pre- and post-decision. To begin, use it to gauge your gut feeling about whether to take on a task or embark on a new project. Then, if you decide to go ahead, use it to monitor your progress along each scale and provide motivation if momentum stalls.
Phase 1: The decision
Position yourself instinctively on a scale of 1 to 10 for each of the following key questions:
Gauging your Appetite
- For each question, define what 10 looks like for you, then what 1 looks like. For instance, Attitude at 10: “I fully believe it’s possible and worth the effort.” Attitude at 1: “I don’t see this going anywhere – it will be a waste of everyone’s time, including mine.” (Note that, even if you think the project is an impossible dream, you may still really want to take it on.)
- Once you have defined your extremes, position yourself instinctively along each scale.
- If your Appetite is more than 5 and your other “scores” are low, you will be able to build your way forward one step at a time (see Phase 2).
- If your Appetite is low, regardless of how high your Attitude and Aptitude scores may be, consider saying no – this task or project is not for you right now.
Phase 2: Monitoring your progress
You have decided to go ahead. Now you can apply the scaling tool using a solution-focused approach. Focus on one scale question at a time and go through the whole process again. Come back to the tool as often as needed when momentum flags or your focus drifts.
- Position yourself instinctively on each scale again and notice if you have moved.
- How are things different now compared to where you were before on the scale? For each score, notice what is already in place or working for you between 1 and your score. Make sure to focus on what you already bring to the table, not what is missing.
- Which differences are you most proud of? How did you get there?
- Suppose you want to move one point further. What do you need to do that you are not doing now? How will others notice?
Take yourself forward on each scale, acknowledging each progression as you go.
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