Option Solving Blog

Someone in our wider family had recently set up a semi-mobile home out West on some rental property. Unfortunately, shortly after arriving, it was apparent that their new landlord was not intending to faithfully honor the agreement regarding certain important facilities. Since they had already paid 2 month’s rent in advance, they were reluctant to move out right away and lose their rental money and deposit, so decided to consider their options before doing anything.

They were advised to put together an appropriate objective question, which emerged as: “What  is our best option with regard to our new mobile home; considering 1) we have limited funds to make our way, 2) need access to hi-speed internet, 3) have pets, and 4) need access to utilities?” The consideration summary shows the four key considerations to challenge all our thinking about this. By doing so, it would reduce the complexity of decision-making when the moment arrives.

They then created two yin and yang “bookends,” as these would also further assist our focus. Bookends such as these are vital for preventing people’s fertile intuitive minds from wandering and losing focus. We are mostly unaware of how powerfully valuable but foot-loose our intuition can be unless properly focused.   

Their bookends turned out to be: “Wait things out w/difficult property owner to cooperate,” difficult proposition, and “Purchase own site w/full facilities,” will take undue time and money. We italicized detractors associated with these least likely options. Even so, they nudged our intuitive thinking into high gear – see our Latest Worked Example.

Along came their challenge to produce at least five realistic options, although they came up with a sixth – prior to any emotional distancing, which is a form of objective thinking, before making our choice …perhaps after 2 hours, later that day, or first thing the following morning. They now reflected upon these options, which included Option D – Upgrade our current WiFi access as an interim arrangement. They decided to give themselves overnight to sleep on it, make a choice, and then put together an ‘action initiative’ accordingly.

If you have an example of your own, please share it with this blogger, through the COMMENTS area.  Thanks Option Solving. (NOTE: Our next posting will be in two week’s time: “Peel the Onion: What is my best option to resolve my new home snag based on initial choice?” Let’s have your COMMENTS or go to peter@ileadershipsolutions.com to connect with the blogger. Also consider buying the book: “Smart Decisions: Goodbye Problems, Hello Options” through amazon.com)

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