The SHARPE Framework

I’m obsessed wth productivity, and I’ve studied the subject for years — from examining the higher-order of ‘being effective’ (7 Habits of Highly Effective People), to the incredibly powerful and practical concepts in David Allen’s ‘Getting Things Done’ methodology, and ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear.

I consider these three books — the canon of a productive life and organisation. They contain principles and ideas that are practical for both individuals and businesses. So, what am I trying to do with this ‘SHARPE Framework’? Why am I publishing this page? Am I planning to write a book? Launch a coaching program? What? What?

I don’t know. But for now…

Each ‘Pillar’ in this framework is a topic worth examining on its own, but when put together — magnifies the collective impact of:

  • Systems

  • Habits

  • Automation

  • Routine

  • Preferences

  • Environments

This is simply a framework for thinking — a way to design (a life, or an organisation) for productivity.

I can build a list of ideas under each pillar, and expound on every one in detail; but that may not be necessary. There is sufficient literature doing so; and that’s why I'm simply presenting framework as a way of thinking, and organising one’s ‘productivity system’.

First mentioned in the February 2019 issue of Prestige Singapore.

What are the 6 Pillars, and the principles behind each?

Routine

Routines are habits and actions strung together to generate a greater result than that of a single action or habit.

Preferences

We tend to pay more attention to desired outcomes, and distinct barriers — than we do to the less consequential element of personal preferences. However, the understanding of preferences can enable us to reduce friction in the designing of systems and/or the development of habits and routines. And the reduction of friction can create momentum in productivity.

Environments

In addition to, or in spite of, our best efforts to develop the best systems, habits and routines; use automation and understand personal preferences — there is an invisible influence on our results, and that is our environment. Therefore, environment design or selection is a necessary consideration in developing systems, habits and routines that thrive.

Systems

Well-designed systems can create tremendous leverage from the contribution of its parts — and in the case of productivity, that means the components of one’s habits, automation tools, routines and environments. Therefore — systems-thinking is a core-competency for creating a hyper-productive life or organization, and perpetuating its effects and benefits.

Habits

Habits are the fundamental building blocks for a productive (and effective) life and organization. Stephen Covey best articulates the power of a habit in his statement: “Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.”

Automation

Automation creates competitive advantage, and reduces dependency on habits. While habits are powerful drivers of desired results, the ability to scale the production of these results — is a powerful complement to Habits.

Follow the development…

I hope this framework is useful, and if you want me to share ideas as I develop this framework, please leave your email, and I’ll keep you posted.