~742 words - 2 1/2 quick minutes.
In the past, I did some workshops for various groups. I was always trying new approaches, tools, card decks, charts, and anything to make them more fun, interactive, and hopefully, practical for a participant once they “got home.”
Today, my consulting practice keeps me too busy to do more than one or two a year except with a client during their engagement. We do plenty there.
But one of the more valuable tools I would apply was the concept of micro steps.
Let’s go back. Since most of my workshops were with high-level leaders, they rarely had issues discussing goals, objectives, and things they wanted to see happen at their church.
Some even could describe interim phases and milestones to add to a project plan.
But making it happen was another story.
Another problem often expressed was that their team, staff, or volunteers had difficulty translating the ideas into action that got them closer to the desired outcomes. They could do it themselves unconsciously, but translating that to others was quandary.
That’s why we need micro-steps as a methodology.
MICRO STEPS are tools to get us past procrastination to progress toward the desired outcome.
In addition, for some leaders, it motivates them to see these steps that show some progress towards the ends we seek. Good motivation drives further action and, hopefully, results.
When trying to help a leader toward a specific outcome, I often have them write down three to five initial micro-steps to give them the idea. Marking them when completed gives them a small hit of dopamine to carry them to the next task.
Admittedly, some leaders don’t think this way and find this too granular to attempt. Many tell me this initially but fail to follow through on action steps for their assignment in our process.
Perhaps the engineer in me calls them to at least outline a few next steps to get them going.
Personally, I recommend that they handwrite a list of the micro-steps to get them started. After that, some will stop because they will have momentum and not need to think about it as much.
What is a MICRO STEP:
A discrete action
Breaks down into an action YOU can take to help see the goal happen. It is something you can control.
Is “small enough” to be done easily and with expediency.
All of these are contextual to a specific challenge or task. They are not just checklists that can be applied to every situation. Thinking through the first five steps with a team member can often be done THAT VERY DAY is important to get a project started or unstuck.
Here are a few examples from actual workshops:
From an executive pastor – “I want to build my relationship with the Senior Leader beyond just the operation of our church.”
Potential MICRO STEPS:
I can text their assistant to find a time to meet when I return.
I can devise some questions to ask.
I can write down some draft statements that express my desire.
I can ask his assistant about their favorite coffee preparation.
I can make notes about all of the above on a card to have ready so I can start the journey at the appointed time with their favorite coffee drink in hand.
From a Senior Pastor on Succession – “I want to start talking about this but don’t know how to start.”
I can text my board chair and set up a time for informal conversations.
I can ask Dave Travis to send me his emergency succession plan document. (editor’s note: feel free to ask for this free resource)
I can outline a script on an index card to get it started.
Have the meeting.
I can find time on my schedule to get a free one-hour Zoom session with Dave. (just email)
If I like it, I can schedule an additional time with the board chair or another trusted friend.
As you can see above – a MICRO STEP usually involves elements of:
Schedule
Communicate
Notes – script
Action
Next Step after that.
If you or one of your staff have challenges getting started or getting to the next steps on a larger project, start with a micro step plan.
Alternatively – when your team has an extensive team project, try not leaving the meeting until everyone can identify the next five MICRO STEPS they will take within 24 hours.
Do me a favor and read the advert below.
2024 Calendar is filling now
Last week, several of you reached out to get on the schedule. Thanks much for that.
And many of you have entrusted me with helping you and your church be a guide in Senior Pastor Smart Succession.
January 2024 live dates are filled, as is most of February 2024. But I am starting a few clients with planning for March and later. We tend to start in Zoom anyway, and I can work a few in.
If you want the 2023 pricing, and not the higher 2024 pricing, I need to hear from you in December. We would need to set a time to talk and see if we are the right fit for your situation or not.
Feel free to reach out to schedule by dropping me an email at dave.travis@generis.com.