Before we start on this journey, we need to optimize your brain and heart.

To perform at the optimal level and leverage your creative and innovative brilliance (which YOU all do have) take a moment to self-score where you feel you and your team are.

(0 utterly stressed and sad to +10 excited, energized, and full of possibility.) 

Remember that a low score doesn’t mean it is this way forever. Rather it is a snapshot in time, and a recognition of where people are at in the moment. All scores are what they are. To help increase scores very quickly, see the resource section.

Optimal brain plus team performance requires at least a 7 on the scale. Healthy skepticism combined with curiosity, possibility and openness (growth mindset) is a good place to start.

If you and/or the team feel in a 0-5 mood, you have a couple of options . . .

Recognize that timing is everything.

A moment of massive change can be a perfect time to do this work to help align teams. Alternatively, waiting until the majority of the team is on board is also ideal. Otherwise know that there is never a perfect time. Rather, a “good enough” time works.

Positive Intelligence

Consider having the team explore their positive intelligence to maximize all your sage brains.

If nothing else is possible, at the very least help the team take three deep breaths and become present to this moment and recognize the good that is happening with the team, projects, progress that has been made so far . . . This will help you increase your mood — even if so far it’s only by one point.