Do More Great Work, Part 2: What Are You Like At Your Best?
In Part 1 of this series on the excellent book, Do More Great Work by Michael Bungay Stanier we explored what Bad, Good, and Great Work we are currently doing, and in what proportion. Chances are you were surprised by how little Great Work you’re currently doing and just how much of your day is comprised of Bad and Good work.
In Maps 2, 3, and 4 you begin to get clearer on who you are, what you stand for, and what matters to you. I encourage you to download the maps (PDF) from Michael’s website and complete them as you follow along this series. In fact, I’m going to be skipping Maps 2 and 4 in this write-up and focus on Map 3.
In brief summary, Map 2 is about looking at “peak moments” from your past and figuring out how they can point to peak moments in your future. Peak moments, those moments of exciting and meaningful work, are most commonly associated with Great Work.
Map 4 asks you to delve into your heroes and role models in search of what qualities you admire– a great hint as to what your Great Work might be.
Map 3 is titled “What Are You Like At Your Best?” It starts by introducing the idea of metaphor to describe something. Michael uses the example of trying to describe one high-end vodka from another. Instead of using direct words related to the vodka itself, you can try using metaphors such as, “Expensive denim, not leather.” Or, maybe the brand is more “The 1960s, not the 1990s.” Or, “A couple talking, not a group dancing.” You get the idea.
This map asks you to list words that describe how you are at your best in one column and the “ok-but-not-so-great” behavior in the other column. At the end, you have a powerful list of words that describe you when you are absolutely rocking your life and a list of words that accurately describe you when you are feeling decidedly blah.
My positive list of words included:
- Focused
- Creative
- Inspired
- Driven
- Optimistic
- Well-Prepared
- In-Control
Their average counterparts were:
- Distracted
- Run-of-the-mill
- Going through the motions
- Aimless
- Doubtful
- Surprised
- Passive
The main thing I noticed was the gut reaction evoked just by reading each list of words. My positive words got my blood moving and started reminding me of examples of when I was acting and feeling in those ways. At the same time, I could almost feel the words in the opposing list suck the energy and inspiration out of me. In much the same way, I could remember specific examples of when I felt like this.
What Now?
Michael explains that there are two ways to doing more Great Work. One is to figure out where the opportunities are and then take them on (which is what later maps are about). The other, more counterintuitive way is to look at your list of words that describe you at your best and start acting like that as much as possible. Great Work will begin to find you.
Another handy use for your duel lists is when you are not feeling all that great. Take your “Blah” list and find which word or words are describing you right now. Notice what positive word it is paired with in the left column. What can you do to begin shifting your attitude and behavior away from the negative word and toward the positive?
I hope this series is helping you articulate what Great Work is for you. In the next section we will being looking at “Uncovering Your Great Work.”
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