Have you ever found yourself stuck, grappling with a problem or seeking a fresh perspective?
I certainly have.
We all encounter moments when our own thoughts seem to circle around the same ideas, leaving us feeling stagnant and unable to see the bigger picture. But what if I told you there’s a technique that can help you break free from this cycle?
Let me take you through the “Power of Six” technique that recently took me out of my stuckness and made me feel joy, fun, and super curious.
You can find this book on amazon: The Power of Six: A Six Part Guide to Self Knowledge: Harland, Philip: 9780956160706: Amazon.com: Books
The Power of Six is a technique developed by Philip Harland, who worked closely with David Grove, the renowned creator of Clean Language and Therapeutic Metaphor. Grove’s innovative methods have earned him recognition in the field of personal development and problem-solving. His unique approach emphasizes the power of precise questioning and using metaphors to uncover hidden insights and facilitate transformative change.
Now, let’s dive into the technique itself. The beauty of The Power of Six lies in its simplicity. You may use it for personal development or team activities.
Approach 1: I call it a “Waterfall”
because it’s a straightforward and quick one. I did it over my dinner.
Grab your phone and open a note-taking app. Start by crafting a clear and concise question or challenge statement. It’s crucial to define precisely what you want to address, as this sets the foundation for the entire exercise.
Once you have your question, it’s time to embark on a journey of self-discovery through a series of six questions. Here’s how it unfolds:
Q1: What do I know about it?
Q2: What else do I know about it?
Q3: What else?
Q4: What else?
Q5: What else?
Q6: And now, what do I know about it?
With each question, allow yourself to explore your thoughts and write down all the insights that come to mind. You’ll be amazed by what surfaces, particularly during Q5 and Q6. By the time you reach Q6, you might even find yourself formulating an action plan based on your newfound understanding.
But don’t stop there! The Power of Six encourages further exploration. You can repeat the exercise 6 5 more times (so, total 6 rounds) for the same question on the same day or different days. Every round promises to take you to new heights of insights.
After each round there is a +1 question:
“What do I know about it now vs I knew when I started the process?”
And after you complete all the rounds, write down your action plan, in case you haven’t gotten it written yet during Q5 and Q6.
Approach 2: Using space, body and objects.
Now, let’s explore an alternative approach that involves working with space and objects. Grab a piece of paper, any size or color that speaks to you. Using a pen or highlighter, write down your question or challenge statement. Place the paper somewhere visible, such as a whiteboard or wall, within your surroundings.
Next, consider the angle, distance, and pose from which you want to reflect on your question. Ask yourself if it’s the right question to focus on. Adjust your question if necessary. Then, find your initial position and start exploring:
Q1: What do I know about it from here?
Q2: And what else do I know from here?
Once you feel you’ve exhausted your thoughts, shift your position to a new spot, adjusting the distance, pose, and angle from which you observe the question on paper. Ask yourself:
Q3: And what do I know now and here?
Q4: And what else do I know from here?
Continue this process, changing positions and even relocating the paper itself, as needed. With each adjustment, ask yourself :
Q5: And what do I know now?
Q6: And now, what do I know?
Take a good look at the paper, the words you wrote, the colors, the fonts—everything! You might be surprised by the fresh insights that come from seeing things from different angles and distances.
Repeat the process 5 more times.
After each round ask yourself the learning question:
“What do I know now about it that I didn’t know when I started?”
End the whole exercise with an action plan.
So there you have it! “The Power of Six” is your ticket to shifting perspectives, uncovering hidden insights, and finding a whole new level of joy in life. Whether you’re tackling personal dilemmas or business challenges, this technique has got your back.
Try it and let me know how did it work for you?
