1 Learn the concept
Every interaction adds value, takes it, or leaves things as they were. A +1 is someone who consistently adds value: they come prepared, make others' work easier and leave people better off. People remember +1s and recommend them. You do not need special talent to be one. You need the habit of asking, in every interaction, how you can add something. This lesson shows you how.
2 See it in action
- Come prepared: read the brief and bring a useful question or idea.
- Make it easy: summarize, follow up and share what you learn.
- Give before you ask: offer help, an introduction or a resource.
- Notice what is needed: ask "what would make your day easier?"
Worked example
A +1 week
Monday check-in: bring a one-page summary of last week and two ideas for this week.
Wednesday: share an article that answers a question your mentor raised.
Friday: send a short note on what you finished and what you need next.
Result to look for: your mentor spends the meeting deciding rather than catching up.
Check: log what you did in your communication tracker.
3 Study an example
Example scenario
In a weekly check-in, an apprentice brings a one-page summary of last week's results and two ideas for the next. The mentor spends the meeting deciding rather than catching up, and later tells others how reliable the apprentice is.
4 Apply it and download
- List three people you will interact with this week.
- For each, write one way to add value.
- Log what happened in your personal communication tracker.
Worksheet Personal communication trackerOpen, print or save as PDF