Michael Bungay Stanier on “the power of the peak moment”

Michael Bungay Stanier

In Do More Great Work published by Workman Publishing (2010), Michael Bungay Stanier explains how to “stop the busywork, and start [and complete] the work that [really] matters.” For example, understanding and then leveraging the power of peak moments.

“One of the beauties of stopping to acknowledge your peak moments is that they can help you clarify your personal definition of success. They tap the power of subjective experience rather than objective accomplishments. When you think about your peak moments (as you are about to do), remember, recall how you felt, not what you outwardly accomplished (although the two can go hand in hand).”

1. Think back and remember three or four peak moments over the course of your working life thus far. “It’s something you’re proud of, something that has stayed in your memory and perhaps even now brings a smile to your face and a thrill to your heart as you remember what you did”…and how you felt.

2. If you wish, add one or two peak moments from outside your work life. “Id like you to focus on a moment that is all about you.”

3. Give each of those peak moments a title, and write down the titles down.

4. Now write a short description (only one or two sentences) what happened.

“The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ (I found it) but ‘That’s funny….’” Isaac Asimov

5. Now look along the row of those peak moments. “Some of the themes will be about you – what you’re like and what you’re doing when you’re connected to Great Work. Some will be about the types of situations that tend to help you do more Great Work.”

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I urge you to visit Stanier’s Web site (click here) to check out a wealth of resources that include a free 13-week eCourse that requires only three minutes of course work each week, map templates for various exercises, and The Great Work Interview Series (e.g. David Allen, Guy Kawasaki, and Marshall Goldsmith).