The priorities wheel

The priority wheel, sometimes called the wheel of life, is a powerful tool that shows you the gaps between where you want to be and where are you now. The power of the tool is the conversation around each of the 8 selected goals it asks you to consider and the help it gives you to identify your biggest priorities.

I love using this tool as it always challenges people to describe what exceptional (the dream) looks like to them, which is actually harder than you might think. I also love that it is so versatile. When I’m coaching, it’s THE tool I use at the start and end of the programme to help the client see just how far they’ve come. I also use it with teams to help them decide on the big goals for the year ahead.

STEP 1:

Draw a circle and divide it into 8 parts, like the spokes of a wheel, with each segment representing a part of your life or
business. Below are some examples of the labels you might like to give each of the 8 segments, but feel free to use your own.

STEP 2:

The outer circle is your peak performance or success criteria, your 10/10, and the centre of the circle, where the spokes cross, is zero. Explore what a 10/10 result would be for each segment and write it down.

In a team discussion, you can create a team or business vision here. For example, if you really were 10/10 for quality or customer service, what would that look like? How would people feel? What would you be offering? What would your customers experience? The group discussion can really help you expand on what is possible, and also how people perceive exceptional delivery. You can test whether people are really on the same page of what good looks like.

Now mark where you are on each segment. Ask your team individually, then collectively to gauge where they see your current performance. Again, this can deliver great insights into the perceptions and experiences of the people in your business.  If you are doing this alone, it gives you the opportunity to really think about where you are now and where you want to be.

STEP 3:

Once you have marked out where you are in each segment, join up the lines to see how smooth, clunking or slow your journey is, as well as how you can change it and where you need to focus. If you’ve done it in a group, compare everyone’s perspectives. Now you can prioritise closing the biggest gaps and start creating solutions.

There is real value in reflecting, getting clarity and in the conversations.