Explore: The E in ACE
by Dr. Troy H. Campbell
The ACE model is based on the idea that all great teams take the time to acknowledge, connect, and explore together.
The Forms of Explore
Exploration happens when a team takes some time (even just 60 seconds) to wonder about a way to act in the future, anticipate something upcoming, or learn something new.
Wonder
Explore by wondering what would happen if you did something different in the future.
On a basic level, this just means asking “what if?”
On a deeper level, it means doing specific versions of an experience, Start, Stop, Do More, where you ask “What if we started doing ____________?” or “What if we stopped doing ____________?” or “What if we did more ____________?”
Anticipate
Explore by considering or planning something wonderful to look forward to.
On a basic level, this just means putting something positive on the calendar.
On a deeper level, it means fulfilling the human need to have things to look forward to, which leads to desirable feelings of positive anticipation and optimism and provides structure.
Learn
Explore by learning something inspiring and useful.
On a basic level, this means simply learning anything related to actions the team can take.
On a deeper level, it involves fulfilling a human desire to know more, address immediate needs, and feel a sense of awe every now and again.
The Science of Explore
Positive Anticipation
There are few things as wonderful in life as having something positive to look forward to and believing in some ways your life is on an upward trajectory. Researchers call this anticipated utility and have time and time again observed its powerful effect on happiness and well-being.
Ownership
People come to value things more when they feel they have some autonomy or psychological ownership over them. Taking part in the planning of your team’s future can lead to a sense of psychological ownership of your team and its work.
Structure
People have a need for structure. Having certain positive events planned in the future can provide structure, especially when the need is not being met in other ways.
