Leadership
June 17, 2026
How full is your diamond?
The first half of the year has been incredibly full. As the summer approaches, many of us are arriving at the finish line stretched thin in at least one area of our lives.
The first half of the year has been incredibly full. As the summer approaches, many of us are arriving at the finish line stretched thin in at least one area of our lives. When we feel drained, our instinct is simply to ‘rest’. But true recovery requires knowing what is depleted. The question isn’t whether you need to recharge before September, but rather: where?
At TPCL, we often use the Diamond Model to help leaders and teams look at sustained high performance. Tim Gallwey first introduced this as a 3-dimensional model (Performance, Learning and Enjoyment), and after working with him, our founder Charles Brook evolved it by adding a 4th dimension: Meaning. When these four interconnected elements are in balance, work feels fulfilling. When one is running low, the engine starts to sputter.
As you head into the summer, take a moment to look at your own diamond. Here’s what it looks like for each dimension when it’s neglected, and a couple of questions to reflect on.
Achievement
When this is low, work can feel like an endless treadmill where you’re running fast but getting nowhere. You might be busy, but finishing the week with a vague sense of dissatisfaction.
- Do I feel proud of what I’ve delivered these past six months?
- Am I celebrating the small wins, or just rushing to the next task?
- Do I feel seen and recognized by the people around me?
Learning
Without growth, even the most rewarding job can start to feel stagnant. Low learning often tastes like autopilot – safe, but slightly numb.
- When was the last time I stepped outside my comfort zone and felt that spark of healthy tension?
- Have I grown as a professional, or am I just repeating what I already know?
- What is one skill or perspective I’m secretly eager to explore next?
Enjoyment
This is the fuel that keeps the daily grind light. If enjoyment is empty, work becomes purely transactional.
The color drains out of the day.
- How often did our team genuinely laugh together this week?
- Does the atmosphere feel relaxed enough to breathe, or is it constantly intense?
- Am I still finding joy in the day-to-day moments, or has it just become a to-do list?
Meaning
This is the anchor. When it’s missing, you lose the ‘why‘ behind the ‘what‘. You might be achieving your targets, but it feels empty.
- Do I see a clear line between my daily efforts and the bigger picture?
- Does my work still align with what I personally care about?
- Where do I feel my contribution matters most right now?
This doesn’t have to be a solo exercise. Imagine the impact of bringing these four simple words to your next team meeting before the break. There is immense relief – and power – in creating a space where someone feels safe enough to say, “To be honest, I’m running a bit low on enjoyment right now.” Just giving each other permission to voice that can do wonders for a team’s resilience.
Hopefully this helps you recharge more mindfully, or sparks different team conversations.
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