Resources & Capacity

Meaning

To make time, money, space, or resources available for another use.

Example

"Automating the monthly report should free up the team for more strategic work."

Conversation questions

• What change would free up the most time in your current workflow?
• How do you decide what to stop doing in order to free up capacity?

Meaning

To reserve time, money, or resources for a specific purpose.

Example

"We need to set aside extra budget for onboarding and training."

Conversation questions

• What should every team set aside time for, even during busy periods?
• How far ahead do you like to set resources aside for upcoming projects?

Meaning

To reduce something to a simpler or smaller version by removing what is unnecessary.

Example

"Before the steering committee review, let's pare the proposal down to the essential recommendations."

Conversation questions

• When does a plan need to be pared down instead of expanded?
• What is hardest for teams to remove when they try to pare work down?

Meaning

To create or reserve a small amount of time, budget, or space for something important.

Example

"Can we carve out 30 minutes to review the risk register before tomorrow's call?"

Conversation questions

• How do you carve out focused time during a packed week?
• What deserves time to be carved out even when deadlines are tight?

Meaning

To use available resources, experience, or support in order to do something well.

Example

"During the transition, the company drew on its contingency fund to cover urgent costs."

Conversation questions

• What past experience do you draw on most often in difficult meetings?
• When should a company draw on reserves instead of cutting back immediately?