Definition

A method is a {set of actions} that an actor can take that lead to a {set of rewards} that the actor gets.

The associated causal diagram is: {Actions} -cause-> {Rewards}

A method is excellent when it produces high amounts of rewards for each unit of work needed to apply the method.

Facts About Methods

Rationale: Get rewards. Have a path. Teach others. Eliminate busy work.

Synonyms: Recipe, algorithm, formula, process, skill.

Examples:

1. A chocolate cake recipe involves a set of actions (get ingredient, mix things up, bake, and so on) that lead to a set of rewards (tasty cake, pleasing aroma, nice texture, moist, and so on).

2. The bubble sort algorithm in computer sciences provides one approach for sorting a list. The rewards are that the list is sorted correctly.

3. Bruce Springsteen applies his song writing process and creates yet another hit song. People who enjoy his music are rewarded and Springsteen himself gets personal satisfaction and financial benefits.

4. A group of people who work together scoured the internet to find the best set of actions for having effective meetings. They wrote the method down and now they get the following desirable results (fast meetings as in 5 to 10 minutes, meeting produce wonderful results, meetings are super enjoyable, meetings build team spirit, and so on).

Other Causal Factors

In this context, a causal factor refers to other things that are needed to get great benefits.

(set of actions) + (set of other causal factors) =[cause]=> (set of benefits)

Other causal factors can be classified into the following categories (cats):

1. Resources: Examples: (money, materials, equipment, )

2. Time: The actor’s time

   1. Calendar time as in elapsed time
   2. Time spend on task

3. Information:

   1. Ideas that are taught and learned as in chemistry, critical thinking, and welding.
   2. Facts that are useful in the given context.

4. Performance: To get the benefits of a method we need people who can get the job done in their role. We need performers.

5. Other Actors Delivering. Sometimes we cannot take action because we are waiting on others. The causal factor we need is for others to deliver the results that they are responsible for.

   1. Waiting for an email response
   2. Waiting for an order to arrive
   3. Waiting for a supplier or contractor
   4. Waiting for an inspector to sign off

Facts about Methods

1. Methods can be taught, learned, and applied. In the education literature, methods are called procedural knowledge.

2. When you have a method, you have a way to proceed. You have a path.

3. A method can be created for any outcome you want.

4. Methods can and should be improved on an ongoing basis.

5. A method answer the how question. Examples:

   1. How do I paint a car?
   2. How do change a habit?
   3. I am stressed out; how do I make this go away?
   4. How do we succeed in startup?

6. Methods classify into two buckets:

   1. Linear: The actions of the method are sequential
   2. Non-Linear: The actions of the method are not sequential.

Linear and Nonlinear Methods

A linear method involves actions that organize into a set of steps that are taken in order.

Most simple things involve linear methods: following a recipe in cooking, many computer algorithms, assembling a piece of furniture from Ikea.

A nonlinear method involves actions, but the actions lack a natural order. Often the same action is repeated many time and the method involves iterations.

Most complex things involving non-linear methods: design, research, learning, problem solving, critical thinking, writing a novel, and so on.