The ACE it! Method: A Framework for Leadership, Learning, and Innovation
Today’s fast-paced business world demands leaders who adapt quickly, innovate consistently, and drive performance. Yet, even the best struggle with team challenges, fostering innovation, and maintaining growth. This is where the ACE It Method comes in—a simple yet powerful approach blending Design Thinking with leadership development. It not only helps solve problems but also empowers teams to learn and grow. Here’s how successful leaders can ACE it with this dynamic framework.
Why the ACE It Method?
Leaders today face countless challenges. From motivating teams to solving complex problems and sustaining growth, the pressure is constant. Traditional methods often lack the agility to foster innovation. The ACE It Method fills this gap by offering a structured yet flexible framework that unleashes creativity, accelerates learning, and ensures execution.
At its core, the ACE It Method empowers leaders by breaking challenges into three simple phases: Address, Create, and Execute. This blend of Design Thinking and leadership insights is transforming how organizations solve problems and develop talent.
What is the ACE It Method?
The ACE It Method combines systematic problem-solving with continuous learning. It follows three phases—Address, Create, Execute—guiding leaders and teams through challenges efficiently. Additionally, it includes critical Insights (the “I”) and Tools (the “T”) to enhance learning and performance.
- Address: Clearly define the problem or challenge. Frame it as a specific question, like “How can we improve project delivery times?” This ensures everyone is aligned and ready to generate ideas.
- Create: Brainstorm solutions. In this phase, quantity matters more than quality. Set a short time limit (e.g., 90 seconds) to force creative thinking and avoid overthinking. Teams write their ideas individually before sharing them.
- Execute: Select and implement the best ideas. Test what works and refine as needed. Execution turns innovation into action and ensures that learning directly impacts performance.
This three-step process—Address, Create, Execute—makes the method adaptable for diverse challenges, from team management to driving innovation.
Insights: The Science Behind Learning and Innovation
The ACE It Method is rooted in key insights, also known as laws of learning. These principles guide leaders and teams toward continuous improvement. The main insights include:
- Use Your Strengths: Focus on individual and team strengths to drive growth.
- Learning is a Team Sport: Collaboration speeds up learning by bringing diverse perspectives.
- Leverage the Right Tools: Structured tools help clarify challenges and create solutions.
- Embrace Mistakes: Mistakes are valuable for learning and innovation.
- Iterate for Improvement: Continuous experimentation refines ideas and leads to better outcomes.
These insights form the backbone of the ACE It Method, making learning active, collaborative, and results-driven.
Tools to Drive Performance
A key feature of the ACE It Method is its toolbox—structured tools that guide leaders and teams through problem-solving. These include:
- Wheel of Motivation: Helps identify what drives individuals and teams. Leaders can assess satisfaction levels and find ways to amplify key motivators.
- Arrow of Success: Visualizes obstacles and support factors for achieving goals. Leaders use it to turn blockers into enablers and keep teams moving forward.
- Best Work Tool: Encourages teams to evaluate their work by dividing tasks into “Best Work,” “Good Work,” and “Average Work.” The goal is to increase the share of “Best Work.”
Each of these tools is versatile, addressing leadership challenges like boosting team motivation or enhancing personal performance.
Application Across Scenarios
The ACE It Method’s versatility is one of its greatest strengths. Leaders can apply it to everything from driving innovation to improving time management or seizing opportunities during tough times. Whether you’re managing a small team or an entire organization, the ACE It framework adapts to your needs.
For example, an HR team struggling with inefficient meetings used the method to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and implement changes. The result? More productive meetings and a re-energized team.
In another case, a leader used the Wheel of Motivation to re-engage a key employee who had lost focus. By realigning the employee’s work with their passions, the leader boosted both engagement and performance.
Why the ACE It Method Matters for Leaders
Adaptability and innovation are essential for today’s leaders. Beyond technical skills, leaders must inspire their teams and continuously learn. The ACE It Method fosters a learner’s mindset, turning every challenge into an opportunity for growth.
Moreover, this method drives cultural transformation within organizations. By embedding the ACE It process into daily routines, leaders enhance both individual performance and team cohesion, creating a culture of learning and innovation.
Conclusion: Get Started with ACE It
The ACE It Method is more than a problem-solving tool—it’s a leadership philosophy that fuels innovation, fosters learning, and delivers results. Start by introducing the method in your next team meeting. Frame a challenge, brainstorm solutions, and execute the best ideas. Make the process a habit, and you’ll unlock your team’s full potential, positioning yourself as a leader of the future.
Ready to ACE your next challenge?