The Personal Performance Model
Rate daily tasks on three dimensions: whether you have to do them, whether they match your abilities, and whether you want to do them. Comparing the resulting three-axis shapes over three weeks can help you discuss patterns in your job satisfaction.
THE IDEA
The Personal Performance Model
This model helps you evaluate your job situation by measuring dissatisfaction.
Every evening for three weeks, ask yourself three questions on a scale of 1 (doesn't apply at all) to 10 (totally applies):
- Have to: To what extent are my current tasks being imposed on me or demanded of me?
- Able to: To what extent do my tasks match my abilities?
- Want to: To what extent does my current task correspond to what I really want?
Plot your scores on a diagram (a 'sail' with three axes). After three weeks, analyze the shapes of the sails. A changing sail may reflect variety in your tasks or changes in how you experience them. If the shape is always the same, ask yourself:
- What do you want?
- Are you able to do what you want?
- What are you able to do?
- Do you want what you are able to do?
If you can't do something, you have to work at it.
See also: Rubber band model, Flow model.
When to use it
Evaluating whether to change jobs
Assessing current role satisfaction over time
Career planning and goal setting
Identifying areas for personal development in a current role
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Software developer feeling bored
Over three weeks, the developer rates 'Have to' as high (8), 'Able to' as high (9), but 'Want to' as low (3). The consistent low 'Want to' indicates a mismatch between tasks and personal desires, suggesting a need for more creative projects or a role change.
New graduate in first job
The graduate rates 'Have to' as moderate (5), 'Able to' as low (2) because tasks are too challenging, and 'Want to' as high (8). The low 'Able to' indicates a need for training or mentoring to bridge the skills gap.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
What do you want from your job?
Are you able to do what you want? If not, what can you learn or improve?
Do you want what you are able to do? If not, how can you realign your desires with your skills?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- The Decision Book Fifty Models for Strategic Thinking