Capturing possibility on-a-page is a great focusing tool

I'm one of the pioneers of Plans-on-a-page. 

I swear by them as one of the most magnificent tools there are to keep us focused on what is important to us.

I first created a plan-on-a-page in my notebook with a trusted direct report in August 1989. I called it a Performance Possibility Plan-on-a-page.

I had 24 direct reports at the time in multiple locations and 1000’s of mile apart! My deep desire was to find a way to keep everyone on the same page collectively and in individual locations.

People started calling them PPP’s and this label is still used by many of my clients today!

In the last couple of years Plans-on-a-page have evolved to Processes-on-a-page or as an alternative.

Processes-on-a-page is a snapshot of the rituals and routines or practices being followed. Below is my own example. You can download it here.

Below is my current plan-on-a-page which I now call Possibility on-a-page. You can download it here.

Whatever you choose to label them on-a-page documents are a remarkable way to:

1) Keep focused personally, for a team, for an organisation.

2) Help you and others (particularly those people to whom you have promised to deliver value) to be accountable.

3) Sustain a shared-view with your performance possibility partners (colleagues, mentors) and possibility peers in areas you have agreed are significant. 

4) Own your piece of  the execution quilt (see below) or jigsaw.

5) Capture in one place the quantum leaps (small yet significant shifts) you’re taking to move from current reality to possibility (your next reality!).

6) Ensure performance reviews are valuable and uplifting and focused on current reality.

One of my most prized possessions is a small quilt my Grandmother Ruby Sherriff made over 50 years ago. I have wonderful memories of her and husband Fred. They lived less than a mile from me when I was a boy and so I was a frequent visitor to their house. 

A vivid memory is Nana making quilts. There'd be a piece here and another over there etc and then one day it would magically come together as one and yet each individual piece stood out. 

Little did I know then that Nana's quilts would many years later inspire a remarkable idea. 

In business strategy is like a compass and execution a map. For your strategy to be executed every employee needs their unique piece of the map. Capturing possibility on-a-page is a great way to capture your piece of the quilt, as well as being a great focusing and collaborating tool.

Should you love some help in creating your own on-a-page focusing tools please give me a shout. My number is +61 418 807 898.

Kind regards

Ian