The Re-View Method

Series: Boundaries That Reveal Hidden Value (2 of 3)

By Sheri Jacobs | Innovation & Leadership Speaker

In Post 1, I shared how a second look at 30,000 Botswana images surfaced keepers I’d missed. Today, the how: a practical, repeatable approach I call the Re-View Method. Use it for creative work and business decisions.

Step 1: Step Away (Reset the Signal)

Schedule distance—a different day, location, even device. Context locks in judgment; distance unlocks it.

Step 2: Pick Three Conditions (Define Boundaries)

Choose three observable conditions that define “good” for this task. In Botswana, mine were:

• Directionality of Story: The image communicates movement or tension—something happening or about to happen.

• Intentional Simplicity: The subject has visual space; if I remove any element, the image weakens.

• Light With Purpose: The light shapes, silhouettes, or textures—not merely illuminates.

Why three? Because three forces trade-offs. More conditions invite loopholes; fewer invite vagueness.

Separate the what from the how.
Define what “good” means (conditions) before debating how to achieve it.

Step 3: Batch, Don’t Bounce (Reduce Context Switching)

Group similar items and apply the same three conditions to the whole batch before moving on. Batching builds calibration and consistency.

Step 4: Decide, Then Reflect (Learn the Pattern)

Make your selects. Then ask: What did the keepers share? What did the cuts share? Capture the pattern—this turns instinct into teachable criteria.

Step 5: Invite One Fresh Perspective (Optional, Powerful)

Give a colleague or customer the same three conditions and compare results. Divergence reveals blind spots; convergence builds confidence.

Applying Re-View at Work

Product Backlogs & Roadmaps

Problem: When everything feels urgent, nothing takes priority.

Three Conditions:

1. Moves a key metric in one quarter

2. Requires no new platform dependencies

3. Validates or falsifies a customer hypothesis.
   

   Outcome: You surface work with learning leverage and momentum.

Customer Research & Voice of Member

Problem: Interviews, surveys, and comments blur into noise.

Three Conditions:

1. Repeats across three+ segments

2. Describes a job-to-be-done (not a solution request)

3. Points to friction in the first five minutes of use.
   
   Outcome: Patterns, not anecdotes, drive decisions.

Innovation Sprints

Problem: Post-its everywhere; energy fades.

Three Conditions:

1. Testable in < 2 weeks for <$5,000

2. Success is measured by a single metric

3. Reduces a step, a wait, or a worry for the user
   
   Outcome: Fast, empathetic, measurable experiments.

Try This: A 60-Minute Re-View Sprint

1. Reset – 10 min: Close tabs, change rooms, breathe.

2. Define – 10 min: Write your three observable conditions.

3. Batch – 15 min: Group similar items.

4. Decide – 15 min: Make selections using only the conditions.

5. Reflect – 10 min: Capture the keeper pattern and next actions.

You’ll finish with a shortlist you trust—and momentum you can feel.

Next up: Post 3 — From Second Looks to Better Leadership: Pitfalls, Psychology, and a Mini-Case.