Option Solving Blog

By chance, Linked-in created an opportunity to connect with a former business associate who had popped up in the Connect Column, after totally disappearing from the scene a year ago. I pursued it with tongue in cheek to see what would happen. Sure enough, a week or so later he responded to complete the connection. This also revealed his new place of work. The dilemma then was whether to re-pursue the relationship, because he had shown the ability to come up with an elegant software program solution, or remain at arm’s length. I then proceeded to contact another associate to get his input. He naturally challenged me to come up with the options open to us.

So I created the following question, with its appropriate considerations: “What is our best option of reconnecting with a former business associate and possibly his assist with an On-Line application, considering that he backed away unannounced once, his willingness to reconnect via LinkedIn, the prize of having an elegant on-line solution, and the loss of momentum from two prior attempts?” In our latest example you can see this set out. There were some other considerations, but these seemed to be the most important ones.

I immediately established two Yin and Yang “bookends” to help frame new, more plausible options. Although these are options in themselves, they are two extreme to consider, hence the reasons given in their respective boxes. The two I came up with were: “Let sleeping dogs lie,” at one end, while at the other end, “Offer him a deal he cannot refuse.” These started some fresh thinking on the issue and what options might present themselves.

Again, as you can see in our Latest Example, I eventually came up with four options, which I presented to my associate. He didn’t have any additional suggestions, although a fifth one popped up subsequently. I’ve always found you are likely to find the best solutions with at least five options. One of my options turned out to be: “Reach out directly by email within ‘How are you doing?’ context”…option A. Take a look at my other four options in our Latest Example and see which one you would’ve chosen. I’ve then been using a lot of emotional distancing, due to travel and other things, and will wait for my intuition to help me pursue the best option. Then I will create an action plan, or not

If you have an example of your own, please share it with this blogger, through the COMMENTS area.
Thanks Option Solving. (NOTE: Next posting in 2 weeks: President Obama resolving his latest Egyptian dilemma?’” We’re always interested in your COMMENTS or go to peter@ileadershipsolutions.com to connect with the blogger.)

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