Option Solving Blog

Best alternative for moving a major customer forward: using Option Solving?

During a recent business networking talk, I got talking with an executive about his latest dilemma in building a relationship with a major new customer. They had agreed on a trial run with three outlets, but things had not gone so smoothly despite his company’s best efforts. For that reason the relationship was on hold, even though he still had a phone relationship with his original contact. We discussed Leadership Solution’s option solving approach and he was willing to use it to figure out his best alternative for moving this customer relationship forward.

I introduced him to the need for an appropriate rational question as his starting point, which, after due consideration, came out as follows: “ What is our best option for moving a major customer forward; considering 1) test group balked, 2) customer doesn’t appreciate the opportunity lost, 3) the offering was incomplete, and 4) good chance they will adjust their thinking, once they complete the offering?” These four considerations were around 50% of the key ones he listed, so as to make the process more comprehensive.

With this in place, I challenged him to create yin and yang “bookends” – see our worked example – that would frame his eventual choices.  These  were, “Threaten with breach of contract” and “Offer time investment in some other outlets with greater leverage potential.” Our Latest Example will demonstrate why these two bookends were least likely to work in his case, but they would at least meet the purpose of stimulating his creative juices to come up with other more practical alternatives.

Once he had figured these out, I encouraged him to produce at least five, pragmatic alternatives. It would take this minimal number to ensure he stretched his thinking as much as possible in the hope of revealing an optimum option. You will see these in our Latest Example, where one of these was: “Option B – Meet/Phone key contact and share opportunities lost with test group.”

I then encouraged him to sleep on the “pictogram” we produced, with its five realistic alternatives, and then strongly suggested that he review it first thing in the morning. Whatever his most spontaneous choice, which had been objectively researched by his intuitive mind overnight, should be the one to pursue. Even if it doesn’t seem quite the ideal choice, he shouldn’t second-guess himself.

This overnight activity is called emotional distancing, Pretty soon after making his after-sleep choice, I encouraged him to figure out an action initiative while things were still pretty fresh in his mind. That way he would not have to second-guess himself rather than making headway. Which option would you have chosen?

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: “Dilemma over existing travel plans and looming winter storm?” 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)

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »

I got talking with a good friend at the recent Christmas Eve Party. He was ruminating on how to spend his time during the almost week-long, in-between, year-end holidays. We found a corner, with a beer in our hands, to discuss his dilemma. I refreshed him on the option solving approach, then we found a piece of unused paper, and set to work.
His immediate requirement was to develop a solid rational question, which turned out to be: “What is the most productive use of my time between year-end holidays; considering 1) need time to unwind; 2) likely mixed weather conditions; 3) involve family wherever possible; and 4) use as ideal time to think about 2016?” His four considerations were at least 50% of the most important ones we listed, so as to make his life less complicated..
It was now time for him to frame yin and yang “bookends” – see our worked example – that would contain his eventual choices: which were, “Just vegetate” and “Fill every hour of every day with something.” When you look at our Latest Example, you’ll see why these two bookends were not particularly workable in his case.
Now his bookends were in place, I worked quickly to get him to identify at least five alternative, practical options to stretch his thinking as much as possible. In fact, as you will see, he came up with six. One of his options was: “Option A -Work related activities, weekday AM and personal projects or family PM.” I advised him to sleep on his “pictogram” and then review it first thing in the morning. Whatever his most spontaneous choice, which had been objectively researched by his intuitive mind overnight, should be the one to pursue…even if it didn’t seem quite the ideal choice. He shouldn’t second-guess himself.
This overnight activity is called emotional distancing, Pretty soon after making his after-sleep choice, I encouraged him to figure out an action initiative while things were still pretty fresh in his mind. That way he would not have to second-guess himself rather than making headway. Which option would you have chosen?
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: “Options for moving a major client forward?” 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)

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »

A friend recently shared her son’s predicament as he went through the final stages of securing an important internship, having recently completed graduate studies. He had to submit to a drug test, which involved the increased accuracy of using hair samples. The drug, although not deemed particularly toxic or harmful, since thousands of people use it, may affect the outcome of his internship. I introduced her to the concept of option solving, so that she could then share it with him to make an optimum decision on how to handle the situation.

So her immediate task was to develop an appropriate rational question, which, after due thought on her part, proved to be: “What is my son’s best option in securing an internship, where drug testing is involved; considering 1) he has been taking one when needed for many years; 2) the test includes hair samples; 3) employers cannot discriminate against prescribed drug usage; and 4) the internship is much in line with his career aspirations?” The four considerations totaled around 50% of the most important ones she listed, so as not to over-complicate matters..

I now challenged her to come up with two framing yin and yang “bookends” – see our worked example – which would form the basis of her son’s least likely options. These were, “Just sit on it” and “Go out, get drunk and hope for the best.” As our Latest Example demonstrates, you’ll see why these two bookends were not particularly workable.

With these bookends now in place, she was quickly inspired to identify at least five alternative, practical options; although she did, in fact, come up with six. One of her options was: “Option E- Be honest and inform new boss of situation.” I advised her to encourage her son to come up with one or more additional options before he made any choice, if he had any. This would increase his participation and ultimate commitment.

Then he should be encouraged to turn their joint “pictogram” over, so that his “intuitive mind” could mull over his alternative options through an activity called emotional distancing, for 30 mins. or more. Such an activity would aid his objectivity.

After emotional distancing he should quickly review the pictogram and make his choice. Even though it might not be a perfect choice, he should figure out the related steps as far as he can, then and there, while it’s all still fresh in his mind. That way he will produce the best game plan.

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: “How to productively spend time between year-end holidays?” 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.”)

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »

Since they decided to pursue a “Peeling the Onion” exercise with Option C -from our last blog – which would give them even greater strategic insight, the two potential partners set another date for such an exercise.

When that moment came, they immediately started formulating a fresh question: “What is our next best step once we complete our simple success strategy –Option C; considering 1) best to garner allies, 2) possibility to forge an Enterprise Team, 3) benefit from diverse input, and 4) high desire to succeed?” These totaled around 50% of the most important considerations …take a look at our Latest Example.

Now they formulated two more framing yin and yang “bookends,” which would be their least likely options. These were, “Forge ahead with minimal deliberation” and “Find a current successful venture that will adopt our ideas.” Our Latest Example demonstrates why these two bookends were not workable.

Having put their question and bookends in place, they then set-about coming-up with at least five alternative, practical options. You will find these again in our latest example. One of those options is: “Option D – Round up potential Enterprise Team partners for their input.” An ideal enterprise team consists of seven players: Visionist-Team Leader; Expansionist; Innovationist; Provisionist; Operationist, Promotionist and a Devil’s Advocate. You can always contact Leadership Solutions for further information, through its Website http://www.ileadershipsolutions.com for further insights on this approach.

Once an option like this became clear, the two potential partners set about finding potential Enterprise Team partners to introduce them into this opportunity. By including such partners with complementary business skills, who would operate either F/T, P/T or as volunteers until the new venture could support them, they would get a synergy of opinions for a ‘Go’ or ‘No go.’
Once a potential Enterprise Team is put together, it is probable to use Option Solving again to figure out the team’s early business strategy and steps.

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: “Applying for new job, where drug testing is involved. What’s my best option?” 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.”

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »

A positive business relationship started building between an experienced executive and an acquaintance he knew from a related field about exploring the possibility of a partnership. This prompted one of them  to start considering some of their options for starting some sort of joint venture before their next meeting.

He immediately started formulating an appropriate question: “What is their best option, as two prospective business partners, to forge a working relationship; considering 1) they’re still getting to know each other, 2) both have related people oriented business experience, 3) both have wide organizational experiences, 4) both have worked for consulting firms, and 5) both have a good feel for the related marketplace?” There were more considerations but stopped at around 50% of the most vital ones…take a look at our Latest Example.

He then set-about producing two framing yin and yang “bookends,” which would be the least likely options. They were, “Don’t consider the partnership” and “Form a limited company from the outset.” Our Latest Example shows why these two bookend options were the least workable ones.

With his question and bookends in place,  he had to come-up with at least five alternative, practical options  He produced six because he wanted to give his potential partner the option of coming up with other possibilities. That way he would have greater buy-in to the option solving approach and the outcome.

You can see that one of his options was “Option C – Start with a Simple Success Strategy.” A success strategy is based upon three interlinking components that will drive an organization to near term success; those being Compelling Vision and associated Strategies; the required People Power; and the necessary Effective Leadership…You can always contact Leadership Solutions, through its Website http://www.ileadershipsolutions.com for further insights on this approach.

In our next blog in 2 weeks time, we will complete the pictogram after his likely partner has been involved.

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: “Next step in best option for two potential business partners to start their working relationship?” 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.”)

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »

Last time we explored a family’s best option for moving personal belongings out of storage before month end, but then they still had the issue of moving a rather heavy upright, Wurlitzer piano which would take 3-4 people to move. The storage space operator did suggest contacting a local piano mover, although, since it was a weekend, that person wasn’t around. So they left the piano in the storage space to find a solution before their month-end deadline.

Since they were now familiar with the option solving technique, they were able to immediately formulate the appropriate rational question as, “What is the family’s best option for disposing of their stored piano; considering they already have a piano, it looks ‘well-worn,’ it’s very heavy, the need to vacate storage space before month end, and the family is unlikely to find new owner at short notice?” There were other additional considerations, but these represented the most obvious ones rather than over-complicate things.

Now that their question was in play, they set-about formulating appropriate Yin and Yang “bookends”; so as to stimulate their intuitive thinking and establish outer limits on their options. These two bookends came out as: “Leave it there,” at one end, with, “Trash piano” at the other. Our Latest Example shows why these were unlikely options.

With their option solving framework now in place, they set-about figuring out at least five plausible options by plumbing their life’s experiences and intuitive thoughts. (Note: It works best to figure-out at least five options to stretch their creative thinking.)  One of their options was: “Pay for piano mover B to take away before month end (4 days time)”…  which was their Option C. Take a look at our Latest Example to see which one  you would consider in their circumstances?

They now slept on this overnight to provide emotional distancing and allow their minds to subconsciously mull over their chosen options. When they returned to their “pictogram” the following morning, their intuitions were ready for making their final choice.

They then sprang into action, based upon this option, while things were still fresh and they were primed to go. When I followed up with them a few days later, their piano had been disposed of accordingly.

If you have an issue example of your own, please share it with this blogger, through the COMMENTS area.  Thanks Option Solving. (NOTE: Next posting in 2 weeks: “What is best option for two potential business partners to start  a working relationship?”  We’re always interested in your COMMENTS or go to peter@ileadershipsolutions.com to connect with the blogger.)

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »

A month ago I came across a family struggling with what to do with their items from a former second home in storage. They had been stuck there for some time and were costing mounting monthly fees with no end in sight. It was a good distance away from the prime family home, so not at a convenient location. I therefore got the key couple together and took them through an option solving  scenario.

This started with challenging them to come up with coming up with an appropriate rational looking question, “What is the best option for moving family things out of storage; considering distant storage location, cost of sustaining storage, and absorbing items elsewhere?” There were other considerations, but these were the key ones so as not to  over-complicate the picture.

With this question in their sights, I now encouraged them to develop appropriate Yin and Yang “bookends”; so as to stimulate their thinking and to provide outer limits on their options. Their two bookends turned out to be: “Just leave in current storage,” at one end, with, “Trash everything” at the other. Look at our Latest Example to see why these were unlikely options.

Now they had the option solving framework in place, I challenged them  to discern at least five plausible options by calling on their experiences and intuitive senses. (Note: They were encouraged to produce at least five options to stretch their creative thinking.)  One of their options was: “Move to current home asap, sort and absorb”…  which was their Option B. Take a look at our Latest Example to see which one  you would consider in their circumstances?

I now took them through some emotional distancing , by taking a lunch break to talk about other things, while their minds subconsciously mulled over their chosen options. When they returned to their “pictogram,” their intuitions were primed to make their final choice. They went for option C – see the attached latest example.

We then created an action initiative, based upon this option, while things were still fresh in their minds, and they were good to go. When I followed up with them a week later, everything had gone according to plan except that a piano was left behind because it was too heavy and awkward to move. Their issue now was to find a way to get that moved before an end of month storage deadline.

We now discussed a new option solving dilemma, which we will deal with in 2 weeks time.

If you have an issue example of your own, please share it with this blogger, through the COMMENTS area.  Thanks Option Solving. (NOTE: Next posting in 2 weeks: “What is family’s best option for disposing of their stored piano?”  We’re always interested in your COMMENTS or go to peter@ileadershipsolutions.com to connect with the blogger.)

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »

Not so long ago, we heard about how a supplier and its customer were seeking to optimize their working relationship. There were a number of logistical and strategic reasons for doing this, but both sides were struggling with the best way for doing this to the customers optimal advantage.. It seemed appropriate to introduce them to the concept of option solving  to help resolve their decision dilemma. Once this approach became clear to both sides, they put together a small group of representatives from both parties to arrive at an optimal conclusion.

As a starting point, this bi-partisan group was challenged with coming up with the following rational question, “What could be the most convenient working relationship with customer ABC; considering local physical presence of supplier, the most cost effective approach,  the scale of its needs,  and building an exceptional relationship for the long haul?” Quite a few other considerations surfaced, but the intention was to keep it to around 50% of the entire list so as not to  over-complicate the picture.

Now the group’s question was ready, it was encouraged to consider appropriate Yin and Yang “bookends”; so as to challenge its thinking and to set outer extremities on its options. Its bookends turned out to be: “Leave customer to own devices,” at one end, with, “Build a full-time presence at customer” at the other. Look at our Latest Example to see why these were unlikely options.

With this framework in place, it was challenged to produce at least five plausible customer options through the use of its intuitive capabilities. (Note: By producing at least five, the team would sufficiently challenge its combined creativity  to determine a whole range of possibilities.)  One of its options was: “Strategic exercise incorporating both parties to align synergies “…  which was its Option E. Take a look at our Latest Example to see which one  you would consider in the circumstances?

It was now encouraged to utilize some emotional distancing  before it made its final choice. This would not only call on its collective wisdom to make an optimal selection, but also create some space for each participant to use their intuition to consider the group’s “pictogram” and compare it to untold experiences retained in each person’s mind.

After an hour of doing other unrelated things, the group returned to revisit its “pictogram,” make and display their choices, and then denote the most favorable one. With this in hand, the bi-partisan group made an overall selection and then put together an action initiative for customer ABC while things were still fresh in their minds.

If you have an issue example of your own, please share it with this blogger, through the COMMENTS area.  Thanks Option Solving. (NOTE: Next posting in 2 weeks: “What is a families best storage option?”  We’re always interested in your COMMENTS or go to peter@ileadershipsolutions.com to connect with the blogger.)

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »

Fairly recently, this blogger was talking with a sales executive about her team’s intentions for 2016. We’re already into the fall season and so wise companies are giving serious thoughts to their intentions for the next year. This gives them time to include and discuss intentions with their team, so as to draw upon collective wisdom as well as encourage their people to buy-into desirable future objectives and outcomes. Since this transition doesn’t occur overnight, it is usually smart to have a dialog somewhat in advance, to help team members internalize their participation.

Since she was unfamiliar with the concept of option solving , it was prudent to brief her on the approach and related advantages. She would then use our session materials with her sales team as a practical example, as well as preparing her for this important task.  At some point, she was challenged with coming up with the following rational question, “ What are our best options to take our sales organization to the next level in 2016, considering we achieved 15% growth during 2015, we will introduce a new product in 2016,  we intend to add more business developers next year,  and we intend to increase the level of sales professionalism?” There were several other considerations but the intention was to keep it to around 50% of the entire list. The intention is always not to  over-complicate the picture.

Once her question was ready, she was encouraged to consider appropriate Yin and Yang “bookends”; so as to stimulate her thinking and to set outer extremities on her team’s options. Her bookends were as follows: “Remain growth rate as is,” at one end, with, “Triple in sales” at the other. Our Latest Example indicates why these were unlikely options.

She now had the framework for producing at least five plausible options for her team to contemplate utilizing its intuitive capabilities. (Note: We need at least five, so as to sufficiently challenge our creativity by producing a whole range of possibilities.)  One of her options was: “Increase level of new business by 20%; especially with new product  “…  which was her Option A. An option F was left open for her team to come up with any further option (s) that might intrigue its members. You can again view this in our Latest Example. Which one would you consider in the circumstances?

Although she clearly had her own preference, she was fully intent on sharing this pictogram with her team and hearing members out before going firm on anything. She was encouraged to utilize some emotional distancing with the team, before they made their final choice. This would allow their collective wisdom to make an optimal choice.

When that choice was made she would now work with the team to come up with appropriate initiatives to bring that choice to reality. She would experience great commitment through involving them, since they would feel fully in the picture as to why the decision was made.

If you have an issue example of your own, please share it with this blogger, through the COMMENTS area.

Thanks Option Solving. (NOTE: Next posting in 2 weeks: “Helping a client to make the best decision?”  We’re always interested in your COMMENTS or go to peter@ileadershipsolutions.com to connect with the blogger.)

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »

With our last option solving example, we followed the President of a successful, growing business, who was orchestrating the sale of his company. His owners-shareholders are anxious to sell, despite his success – possibly to get their best price – and there was one, but now three, serious bidder(s) in the picture. He has done a good job and should do what he can to leverage that situation.

He used the option solving approach to help figure out his own and the owners best option in the circumstances. He had stopped at four options, needing time to determine the fifth. After further thought that turned out to be: “Return to my home ground (where he emanated from, as he wasn’t enjoying current location) and pursue a senior career elsewhere.” The considerations stayed the same.

With that fifth option in place, he then allowed himself some emotional distancing time  for his intuition to reflect and pinpoint his optimum choice. This turned out to be: “Aggressively pursue current solid bid(s) and request  small equity stake.” He then set out to Peel the Onion  on this option to clarify an optimum way for doing this; potentially in the owners best interests.

Now his question was: “What is the best option for our company, when aggressively pursuing our best bid; considering that current owners are determined to sell, we only have limited serious bids so far, desire to leverage an equity position, and time is running out?” Again, the considerations were the same.

He then put his Yin and Yang “bookends” in place, which were as follows: “Just  walk away from current bids ,” at one end, with, “Find capital backing from outside equity partners to buy the enterprise” at the other. This will be illustrated in our Latest Example, along with reasons why they were unlikely options.

Then he produced at least five plausible options for his intuitive capabilities to contemplate. These challenged his creative thinking and produced new possibilities that may never have occurred to him without the use of option solving. One of these options was: “Persuade owners to sell 49% of equity to me: then I buy them out in 3-5 years at enhanced value”… which was Option E. Again, this can be viewed in our Latest Example. Which one would you consider in the circumstances?

Now he needed to reflect upon these and discuss options with his current ownersto move things along, despite his own preferences. This included discussing the issue of getting a small equity stake at the right time – discuss in principle now and, even if he gets a rebuff, raise the issue again when a deal is getting red hot – a little more difficult to pursue.

If you have an issue example of your own, please share it with this blogger, through the COMMENTS area.

Thanks Option Solving. (NOTE: Next posting in 2 weeks: “How should a newly healthy CEO approach his Board regarding succession?”  We’re always interested in your COMMENTS or go to peter@ileadershipsolutions.com to connect with the blogger.)

Filed under: Uncategorized | Leave a comment »