The Katalyst Method
Seven steps for doing things with other people: planning a trip, making a decision, starting a project, having the hard conversation. It begins with a pause and leaves room for what you couldn't have planned.
Why TKM exists
Someone has an idea or a need, and we go straight to doing something about it. We skip the exploring and the planning. The result is friction, misunderstanding, and plans that solve the wrong problem. We also miss the chance for something better to happen.
The method
Every step has a simple question. Ask it together and the conversation changes.
The Pause runs through the whole method. Between every step, take a breath and create a little space before moving on. It's the difference between reacting and choosing.
What are we trying to accomplish?
Step 1 is about the beginning: something starts, perhaps an idea, a request, a problem or a wish. Before anyone answers or acts, pause and get clear on what you're actually trying to do.
What should we consider?
Step 2 is about “guided exploration.” Get curious! Draw cards from the six territories and look at the situation from every direction before deciding anything.
What truly matters? What will we do?
Step 3 is about bringing a sense of discernment to what you found. Choose, simplify, and shape it into a plan people understand and will commit to.
Commit and act.
Step 4 is about crossing the line from planning to doing. Bring all of yourself. Be 100% committed. “Once begun, half done,” as the phrase goes.
What is arriving that we didn't plan?
Step 5 is about having a plan, yet holding the plan lightly. Be open to what happens. Expect miracles! Stay present enough to notice what shows up, even the unexpected.
What have we learned?
Step 6 is about looking back with curiosity and appreciation. Reflection, not feedback: “Here's what I would do differently.”
What will we carry forward?
Step 7 asks: “What will we do differently on Monday morning?” Keep what worked, change what didn't, and begin again.
Step 2 · Guided exploration
Exploration looks at a situation from six directions. Each has its own color and its own deck of questions. Draw a card and talk about how it helps you see the topic. Because the question comes from the deck and not from a person, it feels less personal and easier to answer.
Drawing from all six territories. Tap a territory to draw only from it.
Three words
Say it when something deserves more than a quick reaction. It can be used at the start, or after a conversation has begun and is moving too fast or going “off the rails.” It can bring things back on track.
Stories
Family · Creative work
A writer asked her partner for help with her manuscript. His old habit was to jump in with feedback, and about half the time it landed badly. This time he paused and asked what help meant to her. They agreed on two sessions of two hours each that week, plus a test of a 9-to-2 writing schedule, and to see how it went.
Initiation → Exploration → Curation
Travel
A family was flying to Stockholm for a birthday when the pilot announced smoke in the cabin and turned back to Bangor, Maine. From the plane's Wi-Fi, one of them booked an airport hotel and the only rental car left, a Jeep. Instead of a lost day, the family spent it exploring the Maine coast.
Execution → Invitation
Family · Health
When her mother was diagnosed with cancer and given a grave prognosis, a daughter hung a twelve-foot banner over the front door: Expect Miracles, in gold letters on blue. A week later, a notice on a restaurant's community board led them to a talk by an oncologist that shaped her care. She lived another four and a half years.
Commitment and openness
Stay in touch
Early chapters and the first TKM question deck are coming. And if TKM brings you a miracle, we'd love to hear the story.
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