As a fan of Bruce Lee, one can appreciate this or be one-concerned-Agilista… I choose to laugh and appreciate the juxtaposition of harmony through deliberate support of team decisions and Bruce Lee’s “Way of the Intercepting Fist (Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do).”  For one, in the middle of a product definition team meeting, this VP demonstrates the courage to try something he just learned. Also, it becomes a teachable moment to share with the group how the Fist of Five technique needs a solid proposal to vote on.

It takes only one minute to establish the rules of the Fist of Five:

1. A proposal is made.
2. A short discussion may follow to clarify the proposal.
3. On the count of three, everyone puts their hand in the air showing
   • 5 fingers (wild support)
   • 4 fingers (strong support with few concerns)
   • 3 fingers (can live with and support the team decision)
   • 2 fingers (not ready to support the proposal because I have issues that need discussion)
   • 1 finger (against the proposal, may never get there without significant effort).
4. Look for all hands showing 3, 4, or 5 fingers.
5. Any hands with 1 or 2 showing requires discussion and a re-vote.

Through discussion, the proposal became clear and something all members could support. Upon reflection, the VP demonstrated a transition of command and control behavior to servant leadership. It seems like I witnessed a form of Aikido. I will never again use the Fist of Five without also laughing about the Five Fists of Fury.

Tags: consensus, decision making, Fist of Five, Five fists of Fury

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