Outcome Thinking
THINKING OUTCOMES
The Problem Thinking and Outcome Thinking questions are two of a number of 'frames of mind' that we can choose to be in as we go about out lives and work.
Problem Thinking
When we use problem thinking we spend our time dwelling on the problem. Quite often we take ourselves in circles with worry. Problem thinking tends to make us feel uncomfortable as we spend our imagination in a place that we don't want to be in. Problem thinking is a major contributor of stress as the fight or flight response comes into play and encourages us to run away or go into battle with the problem. This is fine if we are face-to-face with a bear and wholly inappropriate for most day to day situations.
Outcome Thinking
Outcome Thinking creates a more solutions focused frame of mind. It opens our awareness to other possibilities and focuses us towards how things can be different.
If we ensure that we can start and there and no reasons for staying with what we have we will be motivated towards taking action. When this mode of thinking is habitual the things that we want quite often just fall at our feet. (more on luck and goal setting using Outcome Thinking can be found at http://www.markspall.co.uk/articles.htm)
Outcome Thinking and Groups
Outcome Thinking works well with groups as they encourage the discussion of future possibilities and they ensure clarity over where the group is headed. When the outcome is clear individuals in the group will be able to contribute ideas on how the group could achieve the outcome. It leads to group vision and shared action. The table below shows both Problem Thinking questions and Outcome Thinking questions. How often do you find yourself asking Problem Thinking questions? Maybe next time you can ask the corresponding Outcome Thinking question.
Problem Thinking Questions 1. What is your problem? 2. How long have you had it? 3. Who is to blame? 4. What is your worst experience with this problem? 5. Why haven't you solved it yet?
And their corresponding outcome thinking questions:
Outcome Thinking Questions 1. What do you want? 2. How will you know when you have got it? 3. What resources do you already have which can help you achieve this outcome? 4.What is something similar which you did succeed in doing? 5.What is the next step?
About the author: Mark Spall is a Coach and Leadership trainer and delivers his materials through a variety of innovative mediums. More on Mark can be found at www.markspall.co.uk . Mark is the founder of the Agile Leader Network (www.agile-leader.com ), a knowledge base and support network for young people who wish to achieve their best in their care
