Scaling for Momentum: Five Steps to Your Next Step

*Not* scaling a mountain ⛰️ or scaling a startup 📈. 

Solutions-focused scaling is *way easier.*

What Is Scaling?

Scaling is a simple, structured method to:

• Take stock of your present situation,
• See what’s working,
• Check this against what you want in the future, and
• Go from there.

It’s a five step procedure to set a totally subjective measure of progress.

As a full-cycle diagram…

–> I run through this diagram step-by-step below.

Scaling gives you a fresh mental map of:

• Where you are,
• Where you want to be, and
• What you can do next,
• Based on what you can access in the present.

No transformation required. By the end you are already on your way.

What Does Scaling Do?

Scaling makes you look directly at what’s working.

It is an antidote to negativity bias + a few other cognitive biases.

I *did not* like scaling when I first used this procedure 15 years ago. I did not want to put a number on my experience or answer the questions. 

To learn the benefits I had to get in the reps.

Now I use it pretty much every time I need a quick fix on what to do next. I can work it out anywhere. It’s a heuristic + perspective-maker.

That’s because it sets an entirely subjective and temporary standard for progress. It’s not a plan. It’s a push.

Here are two extreme cases of when scaling can generate momentum:

Extreme Case #1: Start with a glimmer

Say I have a vague idea about what I want to do. I can picture it. It’s a glimmer. 🌌 I have no idea what my next step would be. I don’t feel like I’ve even started. I feel like I’m at a zero.

Here’s the thing. There is no zero on this scale. We *always* start in the middle.

I wouldn’t even have an idea about a possibility of doing something in the first place if I didn’t have some inputs + contributions already. My zero-feeling does not match the situation.

✨ A glimmer always counts.

Enter Scaling For Momentum.

Extreme Case #2: Start with a total plan

Say I know what I’m trying to do. I can even list out all the steps like a recipe. 🥬 Maybe I have them mapped out in a nerdy Gantt Chart.

Here’s the thing. There’s always The Implementation Gap on top of that.

That’s the gap between where I am (recipe or Gantt chart in hand) and where I want to be.

The Implementation Gap. A list alone does not cover this gap.

A list or a plan doesn’t get things cooking. 🍲

We need to unlock some fresh perspective + energy in order to generate momentum. This usually involves emotional clarity.

Enter Scaling For Momentum.

How Does Scaling For Momentum Work?

Describe what is happening at a 10 / Awesome. Write it down under the 10 on the right. Make it tangible. Give it detail.

Then describe the opposite of 10.

What’s happening at a 1? This can be a mix of where you really were at a 1 in descriptive terms, plus some flourishes of nihilism. Write this down under 1 on the left.

Let the cognitive bias to discount your past positive actions and results flow through you if you like. The procedure will counter it later.

There is *no zero* on this scale. We always start in the middle.

In between 10 and 1 is where Scaling for Momentum happens. 

And: What becomes possible at a 5 that isn’t possible right now at 4? 

And: What’s the tangible difference between 4 and 5?

What might get you closer to 5 on terms that make sense to you?

Based on this, what will you do right now?

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🎉 You are done! 🎉 Welcome to Scaling for Momentum.

You have created a temporary, realistic, and entirely subjective model for your next moves.

Recap:

In a small number of steps you can set a subjective measure of progress from the present that is unique to your situation, strengths, networks, what you care about, and personal ingenuity. 

The measure is grounded in your current reality through a solutions-focus filter. It makes sense on your terms. This is useful when working towards *any* open future.

The cool thing is that the measure can be different every time you do it. Actually, it’s *always* different every time. You are always on the move.

Sounds Pretty Simple. Who Actually Uses This?

The beautiful thing about scaling is that you don’t need a ‘theory of everything’ in order to use this procedure and adapt it to your needs.

Here’s an article on how scaling + solutions-focus is used by Agile teams in tech companies → SF Agile: Transforming the world of work.

It’s also used in solutions-focused brief coaching which has roots in family therapy.

I’m not a software engineer or a therapist. I have my own approach to Scaling For Momentum as a facilitator working with individuals and organizations. 

Everyone develops their own style over time. You can too.

You’re Invited! Digital Drop-In: Scaling For Momentum —> Monday, July 22nd

Monday, July 22nd, 7pm eastern on Zoom

I’m hosting a Digital Drop-In. You are invited to join. We will run through the Scaling For Momentum procedure sketched above.

Register: https://bit.ly/RSVPScalingForMomentumJuly22

A Digital Drop-In is a no-cost group facilitation hosted on Zoom. By me!

You learn something new in 20 minutes for free + maybe you meet a few interesting people on a Monday night.

The Digital Drop-In format is:  

• 10 minute overview
• 10 minute exercise
• 10 minute debrief (optional)

I stay on the call for 15 minutes after if you have any questions or want to socialize as a group. It’s maximum 45 minutes long. 

Info:  https://hilarymartin.ca/invites/

This Digital Drop-In is a short, general, skills-building version of a Solutions Session: https://hilarymartin.ca/solutions/