Inspired by the Spanish word poca (“small”), the POCA® Model for Unlearning reminds us that lasting transformation begins with small shifts in thinking.
Through four intentional steps—Pause, Observe, Choose, and Act—leaders challenge outdated assumptions before they become outdated decisions.
Hover over each step to explore the framework.
Pause
Create space for awareness before action.
Pausing interrupts automatic reactions and creates the space for new possibilities to emerge. At every level—self, team, and organization—it opens the door to what could be, instead of simply repeating what’s always been.
Observe
See what’s really driving the behavior.
Observe the patterns shaping yourself, your team, and your organization. By looking beneath behaviors to the assumptions, identities, and habits that created them, awareness becomes insight—and insight creates the possibility for meaningful change.
Choose
Create a different way forward.
With greater awareness comes the opportunity to choose differently. Rather than repeating familiar patterns, leaders intentionally shape the beliefs, behaviors, and ways of working that create stronger teams and better outcomes.
Act
Turn intention into transformation.
Small, aligned actions create sustainable transformation. When what we do consistently reflects what we now believe, new patterns take root and lasting change becomes possible.