Cycle Model
THE FIRST BIG IDEA
Everything you do can map to a process.
The Success/Satisfaction Cycle model is simply a way to understand and apply your natural process-energy preferences to whatever you need to get done. It is universal, applies to individuals, pairs, teams, and larger groups, and is as easy to understand as it is to apply.
We call it the Succession/Satisfaction Cycle because if you apply your energies appropriately, you experience external success and internal satisfaction.
An example is the best way to get a feel for it. Consider sales:
First
Understand the prospect’s complete situation and develop creative solutions
Second
Build rapport throughout the client organization as you move toward a proposal
Third
Write the detailed proposal, including a budget, timetable, legal and technical specifications, financial data, etc.
Fourth
Close the sale, implement and provide and post-sales support
Fifth
Assess the preceding four dynamics and make adjustments for your next sales cycle.
We measure the first four of these energies.
Explore
Developing creative ideas, synthesizing concepts, brainstorming.
“I really enjoy starting things and giving creative input.”
Excite
Promote the original idea inside or outside your organization.
“I enjoy getting other people excited and optimistic about ideas.”
Examine
Drafting a detailed plan, to analyze data, and anticipate what could go wrong.
“I enjoy planning, the details, and finding mistakes.”
Execute
Following through.
“I see life as a giant checklist. I just love to get things done.”
Evaluate
Reflection in action. How do I get better next time?
“Did we make our numbers? Did I also feel fulfilled?”
THE SECOND BIG IDEA
Aligning people’s natural energies with the demands of a process is the key to success and satisfaction.
If you have ever tried to sell anything, you instantly recognize how only some of the above examples of these activities attract you more than others. Everyone has innate preferences in each energy stage. You see them at work wherever people naturally apply themselves. (And where they don’t!)
The Success/Satisfaction Cycle model is simply a way to understand and apply your natural process-energy preferences to whatever you need to get done.
Various tasks require different amounts of energies. In over 25 years we have yet to find a project or task that could not be analyzed in terms of these Dynamics.
People can have competence in an area, but little ability to sustain their energy in it over time without stress.