Templates
Skill

Pragmatism

The ability to deal with problems based on conditions that really exist, rather than following fixed theories, ideas, or rules

Pragmatism

Level 1

Is able to be objective in evaluating their own work.

  • Objectivity: You can point to examples of when you've allowed your plan to be changed by new information.

  • Time management: You have proactively looked to reduce or change the scope of your work to meet a timeline or criteria not set by you.

Level 2

Is able to change their mind over strongly-held beliefs and pursue a new path with no loss of velocity.

  • Objectivity: You look for new information, assuming that you don't know everything. You can point to examples when you had a strong opinion changed for the better.

  • Time management: You actively flag when you think something can be achieved more quickly, even if it was your plan initially and it will involve admitting fault.

Level 3

Is able to break down the assumptions of themselves and peers, and find common solutions.

  • Objectivity: You are positive in the face of dramatic changes of plans. Curveballs are dealt with sensibly without frustration.

  • Time management: You're in control of your calendar. You take no issue with not being involved in a project or meeting if it means saving you time.

  • Helping others with pragmatism: You spot assumptions in peers and help them to break down those assumptions without conflict.

Level 4

Is able to help whole teams to move on their goals through simplifying and breaking down problems.

  • Objectivity: You know which hills to die on. You recognise the importance of believability and pragmatism as a tool for moving product and business forwards, and when to stand your ground.

  • Time management: You are constantly checking your own plans and the plans of your team for opportunities to change or reduce effort. You exclusively pick up the most important, not the most interesting tasks.

  • Helping others with pragmatism: You use techniques (like testing how much people in the group care about a decision) to find dogma and assumptions, and work through those with wide groups.

Level 5

Is able to break down and save the time of whole parts of the organisation through simple solutions and workflows.

  • Objectivity: You use objectivity at the highest level to push through hard decisions. Despite being senior in your organisation, you maintain a forever-learning attitude.

  • Time management: You defend your time and the time of your company, pushing decisions and work away if they can be made anywhere else or not made at all. You have an open list of your business-aligned goals and you stick to them.

  • Helping others with pragmatism: Your smart objectivity results in groups of people saving time and/or businesses saving money.

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