Size 4 Hearts

“We’re great”

The gulf between “I’m great” (Size Three) and “we’re great” (Size Four) is huge — Grand Canyon huge.

The biggest challenge is moving individuals from Level 3, to Level 4. The secret is to find something that unites them into a tribe, that is greater than their individual competence. When individuals come together and find something that unites them, something very important happens, the group gels, the language is less “I” and more “we”. The tribe changes from a group of highly motivated but individually-centric people to something larger. Size 4 tribes can do remarkable things.

If your toured a Size 4 company. You would find a Christmas tree in their lobby, even though it was not Christmastime.

Going through the call center. You notice how it's decorated, it looks like something out of a Peanuts cartoon. People are applauding for you. They don't know who you are and they don't care. And if they did, they probably wouldn't applaud. But you'll notice the level of excitement. Notice, again, how they decorate their office. Now, what's important to people in a Size 4 tribe?

My question is simple, "What do you think they value?"

These may not be the things that are important to you. But they value things like fun. And they value creativity. One of their stated values is, "Be a little bit weird." And you'll notice they are a little bit weird.

Employees volunteer time in the advice booth.

So when individuals come together and find something that unites them that's greater than their individual competence, then something very important happens. The group gels. And it changes from a group of highly motivated but fairly individually-centric people into something larger, into a tribe that becomes aware of its own existence. Size Four tribes can do remarkable things. But you'll notice we're not at the top of the mountain yet. There is, in fact, another Size.

When groups get to this point, they see themselves as a tribe with a common purpose. They commit to shared core values and hold one another accountable. They will not tolerate The Office-style performance or the personal agenda of Size Three and if force to participate in them will devolve instantly to Size 3 Hearts.