History of the 3-word theme. I first read about the 3 word theme from Chris Brogan. I have been using a 3-word theme for my work for six years and will be entering year seven in 10 days. Previous themes included:

1. In 2009 my theme was: authentic, connect, engage
2. In 2010 my theme was: engage, mobilize, produce.
3. In 2011 my theme was: engage, educate, enliven.
4. In 2012 my theme was: stop, focus, and finish.
5. In 2012/2013 my theme was: discern, invite, engage
6. In 2013/2014 my theme was spark, grow, write

Benefits of a 3 word theme. A three word theme is succinct, easy to remember and leverage as a tool for work. It offers a quick guide and evaluation for work completed. It is a nice reflection tool for work and progress. It is also a great planning tool to get a tighter focus on the year ahead while offering flexibility in how those 3 themes are actualized.

3-Word Theme for 2013/2014. My new 3-word working theme is: engage, engage, engage. I know, this is the same word used three times. In my mind, the repetition adds emphasis. Also, this is the last year I will construct a three word theme. After this year I will reduce and simplify to a one word theme.  Engage, engage, engage will govern my work from September 1, 2014  to August 31, 2015.

Why I chose engage, engage, engage. I have spent the proverbial 10,000 hours towards expertise on engagement over the past 10 years. It has been my primary focus and frequently my exclusive focus over this time. I am much fonder of the word engage, a quick verb to initiate action, than the longer noun of engagement that seems more passive and removed. During the year ahead I plan to engage myself fully in my work, I want to help others engage fully in their work, and I want to expand the depth and breadth of engage in our workplaces and our wellbeing. Using just one word three times is easier to remember and provides a more succinct focus for my efforts. So engage along with me, the best is yet to be.

A sample of engage projects for 2014/2015

• I will engage fully in thousands of fifteen minute periods of work.
• I will be presenting  in Singapore on employee engagement
• I will be speaking and conducting a Master Class on engagement in Dubai in December
• I am creating a virtual three week intensive course on engagement in conjunction with a university for February 2015
• I will continue to write about engagement at this site, further refining the term and practices.
• I am in the midst of writing a twelve part series on the Halogen blog on the wheel of engagement
• I plan to unite people in Manitoba interested in engagement/engage into a community of support and practice
• There will be many more projects, tasks, and endeavors that embrace the theme of engage.

How to Write Your Own Three Word Theme. I encourage you to compose and act on your own 3-word theme for work. Here are 9 steps to create and apply your own unique 3 word theme:

1. Don’t hurry, don’t worry. Take time to mull over 3 words that are personally meaningful.
2. The process of doing this may be of equal value to the outcome.
3. View a number of other people’s 3-word themes by clicking here.
4. Voice your intended 3-word theme to other people to get their impressions and input.
5. Once you find the 3-words that fit for you for the year ahead declare them to both other people and yourself.
6. Create an image for your theme to keep it in focus for the year ahead.
7. Leverage the 3-words to contemplate more focused and productive work.
8. Apply the 3-word theme as your internal work GPS.
9. Use the 3-words to evaluate your work.