Your editor was talking with an aspiring author recently, who was experiencing difficulties with a new book advisor relationship. She wanted to figure out a different way forward in that relationship, so felt persuaded to utilize option solving to do this.
She was encouraged to pose an appropriate question as follows: “What is potential author’s optimum option for constructively handling a new book-advisor relationship; considering 1) advisor is a bulldozer type, 2) she’s not particularly open to listening, 3) she supposedly has many attractive contacts, and 4) she may drive author to consider fresh ‘out-of-box’ options?” Again, it’s appropriate for him to focus on just these four considerations to reduce complexity in his eventual decision; when that ultimate moment arrives – despite there being many other possible considerations out there.
She was then steered toward defining applicable yin and yang “bookends”,as these will help keep her intuitive mind focused against other immediate mental distractions. Bookends such as these are vital for preventing our fertile intuitive minds from wandering and losing concentration. We are mostly unaware of how powerfully valuable but foot-loose our intuition can be unless we can keep it properly focused on such occasions.
These turned out to be: “Not bother with advisor further” – Beggars cannot always be choosers;and “Just be totally submissive” – Out of character for author. You will note the italicized detractors associated with these least likely options, which show why they are not really for consideration. Even so, these bookends now nudge this author’s intuitive thinking into high gear again, to consider a range of realistic options – see ourLatest Worked Example.
She has now come up with six realistic options – A thru F. She was then ready to pursue emotional distancing beforecoming to any outcome decision. She will then review these declared options, perhaps after 2 hours, later in the day, or first thing the following morning, before arriving at an optimal conclusion. You can replace her proposed options with any of your own.
While all these options look interesting, this author was initially particularly intrigued by – Option D: Build support around latest book title idea. The author subsequently decided to sleep on it and seek input from others until the following morning and then proceed accordingly. She is strongly advised to stick with whatever option the overall, intuitive choice turns out to be.
If you have an example of your own, please share it with this blogger, through the COMMENTS area or contact him at peter@ileadershipsolutions.com . Thanks Option Solving. (NOTE: Our next posting will be in two week’s time: “Peeling the Onion: What is potential author’s optimum option for constructively handling a new book-advisor relationship?” Let’s have your COMMENTS or go to peter@ileadershipsolutions.com . Allow time to connect with the blogger. Also consider buying the book: “Smart Decisions: Goodbye Problems, Hello Options” through amazon.com)
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