The Matrix
The Fun / Focus Matrix
Every cycle James calculates the Fun and Focus scores of each goal separately. If we put the Fun on the Y-axis and the Focus on the X-axis we can plot each goal on the canvas. The relative position of each point highlights potential strengths and weaknesses.
Let’s take a look at the four corners.
Low Fun, Low Focus: Yield Alert.
Normally low Fun is not a good sign, however as also the Focus is low there is no real risk of losing energy. A low Focus is a risk of achieving the related goal. It is important to check in the trend table whether this is a structural problem. It is also good to question whether the low Fun is causing the low Focus.
High Fun, Low Focus: Block Alert
We tend to spend more time when the tasks feel good. If this is not the case and, despite the high Fun, too little time is spent on the related goal there must be something blocking progress, for example another goal that requires immediate attention. It is important that the participant identifies this obstacle.
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 is not a good score and potentially dangerous. Any goal in the dark-red area should be analysed and improved first.
High Fun, High Focus: Hobby Alert
For the related goal the additional time spent is good news. Full steam ahead. There is a caveat as this goal is consuming time that originally was meant for another goal. The participant must reflect why the extra time was spent and perhaps whether the goal is not a safe haven or hobby project.
The Case of Sanne
Sanne is an experienced manager, responsible for marketing at an international organization.
Her main goals are:
- Finalizing the Marketing Strategy
- Performing Data Analyses
- Implementing new Tooling
- Running Campaigns
She just finished her third James’ cycle and is reviewing the scores. Please note that three goals have a low Flow-score (Fun x Focus), however for three different reasons.
- Tooling -> Yield Alert
- Marketing Strategy -> Block Alert
- Campaigns -> Burn-Out Alert. This is the most important score and a serious wake-up call.
- Rest -> this is a collection of all tasks not part of the predefined goals.
- Data Analyses -> although the Flow score is good, Sanne need to be aware whether this is not a ‘safe haven’ goal as it is close to Hobby Alert
The trend overviews help Sanne to analyse how the score on Campaigns is. As this is her third week Sanne already has information over three weeks and especially for the Fun score all three weeks score poorly. This is an energy consuming goal and it is clear that immediate action is needed.
Sanne knows the context and needs to define her action herself. For example; are there external factors (budget, team members, scope creep etc) that frustrate this project, does she needs help from her manager, a special colleague or is it within her own capabilities to fix this issue.
She has to take action and will see at the end of week 4 whether the action was successful.