Based on the work of American philosopher, Ken Wilbur, Axialent founder, Fred Kofman introduced and popularized the “Three Dimensions of Sustainable Success” model. This model states that whether we are aware of their presence or not, there are always three dimensions occurring simultaneously and impacting one another in a symbiotic system of value creation. Conscious attention to these three dimensions can maximize a business’ chances for achieving results time and again, thus becoming sustainable.
The three dimensions are as follows:
“I” – The “I” dimension refers to the role, purpose, grounding, beliefs and values of any individual at any one time in business.
“WE” – The “WE” dimension refers to the collective group, it’s interactions, behaviors and ability to collaborate. The currency of the “WE” dimension is trust. The more trust that exists between people interacting and collaborating in a group, the more they are able to accomplish.
“IT” – The “IT” dimension refers to the business task. This can include any external task an individual or group may be working on. It includes all aspects of business functions including business planning, product development, marketing, sales, human resources, finance, etc. All the tasks people engage in every day in order to conduct business and achieve desired outcomes.
This model proports that the “I” and the “WE” dimensions exist to serve the “IT” dimension in business. The health of each dimension impacts all other dimensions. As a result, the model highlights the value of understanding and caring for the individual’s well-being, actively building trust to raise the effectiveness of group interaction so that business tasks and results can maximize their chances of being achieved.
Any business can drive outcomes in the “IT” dimension at the expense of the “WE” dimension (poor morale) and of the “I” dimension (burnout), but it won’t be able to do so repeatedly. Only by giving attention and awareness to these three dimensions can we increase our chances of being sustainable for the long-term.
Let’s explore how these three dimensions can be leveraged for successful meetings.
Caring for the “I” dimension in meetings improves individual morale while helping people build trust with others and contribute more of their full potential to business tasks. Here are two ways to care for the “I” dimension during a meeting:
- Check-ins and Check-outs allow participants to voice their thoughts, opinions, ideas and concerns, leaving them feeling heard and engaged.
- Checking with each individual during the meeting that they have understood information being provided or have voiced their opinion or response to specific topics and questions.
Caring for the “WE” dimension improves team morale and effectiveness in its ability to achieve business tasks. Here are two ways to care for the “WE” dimension during a meeting:
- Have meeting participants answer specific questions in small groups, even in pairs. The smaller the groups the higher the engagement and trust begins to build as people get to know one another and achieve outcomes together.
- Begin meetings with a fun question that reveals something about each participant and in turn allows the group to get to know one another more fully. For example, you can ask, “What is something about yourself that others do not know here in this meeting?” or, “If your life were a book, what would its title be?” These are fun questions that engage participants while deepening their personal knowledge of one another.
Caring for the “IT” dimension focuses individual and team action towards meaningful business outcomes. Here are two ways to care for the “IT” dimension during a meeting:
- Have a clear agenda with a measurable desired outcome.
- Ask specific questions that focus each agenda item’s topic and moves discussion towards meeting objectives.
CONCLUSION
By leveraging the “I”, “WE”, and “IT” dimensions you can maximize your chances for successful meetings that get traction, deepen trust and build morale. The next time you are planning a meeting, be it a one-hour meeting, or a two day offsite, make sure the meeting provides space and benefit for each of these dimensions. Then sit back and reap what you have sewn.
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