The Matrix
The Fun/Focus Matrix is one of the powerful graphs of James. At the end of the week the scores are calculated so each goal can be placed in the matrix. Let’s take a look at the four corners.
Low Fun, Low Focus: Yield Alert.
Low Focus is an indication that you may not reach your goal. This may be caused by the low Fun. If the low Fun remains it is unlikely that the situation will improve so action is required. A real ‘yield alert’.
High Fun, Low Focus: Block Alert
We tend to spend more time when the tasks feel good, but not in this case. You need to find out what is blocking progress.
High Fun, High Focus: Hobby Alert
This goal is making excellent progress, however it is consuming time from other goals. Maybe because it is so much Fun.
Low Fun, High Focus: Burn-Out Alert
This segment is dark red as this is the most risky area. Spending a lot of time on tasks that consume energy should not be a long term situation. Any goal in the dark-red area should be analyzed and improved first.
The Case of Sanne
Below you find a simple example how the matrix is used by Sanne.
Sanne is an experienced manager, responsible for marketing at an international organization. She just finished her third James’ cycle and you can see the scores for each of her main goals in the matrix.
Two goals have a sound balance so not further action required: Rest, the collection of minor goals, and Data Analyses.
Three goals need attention:
- Both on Tooling and Marketing Strategy little progress is made. Sanne needs to check the trend overviews too see whether this is a structural problem. Tooling is a concern as it does not generate any Fun.
- The real problem is Campaigns. Too much time is spent on this goal, consuming a lot of energy. Action is needed to prevent that this goal is draining her energy.
There are more overviews Sanne can use to define her improvement actions. For example the trend overviews.
The Fun trend overview shows Sanne that the scores for Campaigns already are a concern for three weeks. It is truly an energy consuming goal.
Sanne now knows what she must do and at the end of next week James will show whether she took the right actions.