What if work could be easy as pie? This exercise can give you the recipe
[This is about a 7-minute read]
When something comes across my awareness more than once in a short period of time, I like to take extra notice.
That’s what happened with the Whole Person Wellness Wheel. It’s a tool my dear friend Rachel Gooen uses in her Engaged Leader Series. And it’s a tool Julia Cameron shares in her book “the Artist’s Way,” although she calls it a Life Pie. It also goes by other names, such as Wheel of Life, and each version has its own nuance to it.
I’m not sure where original credit is due, but these “wheels” or “pies” are used to help people assess how content they are in various areas of life, which then gives them information on where and how to make improvements.
It got me thinking about using it in a more work-specific context, to help people diagnose and strategize how to make work feel a little simpler and more pleasurable, like a piece of pie!
(I loved watching Wheel of Fortune while growing up, but I think Pie is more fun so I’m calling my version of this a Work Pie.)
If you are feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or ineffective at work, it’s likely that a little remodel for your operations can ease those symptoms. But amongst your other responsibilities you may not know where or how to start. This Work Pie exercise provides a starting place. By identifying what can be improved and making small steps forward you make progress towards improving your operations so you and your work are better supported.
The tool: The Work Pie
I’m not the first to think of this, and there are versions of work wheels or work pies out there that you can find with a quick search on the internet in case this one doesn’t speak to you.
I’m sharing my version here, which is focused on tangible factors that play a large role in preventing employee burnout. My goal is to help you find approachable ways to take a first step towards making the change you want to see and give you momentum.
This is a “work in public” here, which means I’m sharing my first draft and I’m curious to hear what you find helpful and what tweaks you might suggest.
Work Pie Template
Here’s the Key, along with questions to help you score each piece of pie:
Pu | Purpose. How clear is your organization’s purpose, and how well does it align with your own purpose? Does this work fulfill you?
F&C | Fun&Creativity. How often do you have a little light hearted fun at work and the space to invite creativity?
RW | Reasonable workload. How effectively can you manage your workload within the confines of your work hours?
CE&G | Clear expectations and goals. How clear are you on what you’re working towards and what is expected of you?
HCF | Honest, constructive feedback. How often do you request, receive, and provide constructive feedback? What is your organization’s feedback culture like?
PT | Personal time is celebrated. How often do you take time off, completely unplugged from work? How well does your organizational culture support employees’ personal time?
IW | Inviting Workspace. Your surroundings matter. How energized do you feel at your desk? In your office space?
A | Accountability. How well do you follow through on your commitments? How well do your team members follow through on theirs? How is accountability handled at your organization?
This is my starting list of factors, but feel free to swap any to make this unique for you and your organization.
How to use the Work Pie
It’s important to recognize that the recipe for the pie includes both personal and organizational ingredients. That means it takes both personal behavior and organizational culture and norms to harness the effects of these 8 factors.
Since personal behaviors are within your sphere of control, I recommend you start with assessing your work pie from a personal standpoint.
It will be interesting to do it a second time and rank your opinion on how well your organization addresses each piece. This will show you where you may have more or less support from your organization, which can inform your improvement steps.
Pick a Flavor! My work pie is a sour cherry pie (cuz that’s my favorite). It makes me smile to think about making and eating a sour cherry pie, so I like to envision that. I invite you to think of your favorite pie while doing this if that feels fun for you as well.
Rate how content you are in each factor by placing a dot in each piece at the degree to which you are content in that area. The center of the pie represents a low contentment score while the outer rim is a high contentment score.
Connect the dots and take a look at your pie. You’ll see where your work is lopsided.
List out the pieces you scored the highest. Take a moment of gratitude for those pieces.
Now list out the ones you scored the lowest. Decide which piece you want to get started on first. (Hint: It doesn’t have to be your lowest score - it can be the one that means the most to you or the one you are most likely able to do something about).
Brainstorm and decide on one or two action steps you can take to improve that piece. Do them, then come back for seconds, and thirds, and so on.
Do this as a team exercise if you’re ready to take it a step further. Compare pies to find where there is alignment on high scores and low scores. Show gratitude for what the organization is doing well, and codesign a plan to improve the low areas.
Example Work Pie
Have 15 minutes? Give it a try!
Sometimes the best way forward is to jump in and not overthink. Grab a notebook, a colorful pen, set a 15-minute timer, and see what comes up for you. If you care to share, I’d really love to hear how it went. Drop me an email!
The practice
Here are some tips to help this exercise work for you.
Don’t overthink your score! Pick the first one that comes to your head, not what you think it should be.
Get creative about identifying action steps that you have control over. For example, maybe you realize that you don’t have clarity on your goals and expectations and that’s something you want to work on. You recognize that your organization also doesn’t have a good system for identifying goals and expectations. Instead of trying to overhaul the goals for the organization which needs everyone’s buy-in, work on clarifying your own and share those with your boss. It will at least give you the clarity you need for your work. Who knows, others might take notice and learn from you!
If you’re having a hard time coming up with action steps, try doing a start/stop/continue exercise.
Always add your action steps to a calendar or work plan - whatever you reference most often. Write them in a way that you know exactly what you’re talking about so when you see it on your task list you know exactly what to do.
Keep your pie handy so you can easily refer back to it when you want to work on the next piece of pie.
Remember to celebrate your growth.
When overwhelmed, focus on one thing you can do. And do it. Then do that again.
Remember this can be a journey. If you don’t have time and space to fully focus on operational improvements, doing a little bit at a time still gives you benefits.
Interested in working on a Work Pie as an organization? Sign up for an Operational Tune Up with me. I’ll support your team in identifying critical areas where small changes can provide big results. Book now to take advantage of my November discount, just in time for year-end reflections!
If you’re not ready for a focused effort, I’m still here for you. I always have one-on-one slots available to support you with guidance, ideas, coaching, and accountability. Just get in touch.
