Managers are typically effective at focusing on problems and diagnosing what is wrong and how to fix it when they have to make a decision. The typical questions that managers might ask themselves include: What is the problem here? What is the cause of the problem? Why is this problem happening to me? What alternatives do I have? What is the best alternative? How do I implement this alternative?

There is a novel approach to decision making, called outcome-directed thinking, that some managers have learned to use. It focuses on future outcomes and possibilities rather than on the causes of the problem. People tend to feel more positive emotions, have more creative ideas, and experience more optimism about solving a problem when they focus on desired future outcomes rather than on who or what caused the problem.

For this experiential learning exercise, complete each of the following steps. Each step should be a minimum of 1 paragraph (6-8 complete sentences):

1. Think of a problem that you have in your life right now, in which something is not what you would like it to be. It could be any problem you are having at school, home, or work that you would like to solve. Summarize the problem in a brief paragraph.

2. What outcome do you really want with respect to this problem? (e.g., your desired result about the problem)

3. How will you know when you have achieved this future outcome? (what will you see, hear, feel?)

4. What resources do you need to pursue this future outcome?

5. What is the first step you can take to achieve this outcome?

6. Do you feel your thinking is more creative and effective by focusing on achieving a desired outcome rather than focusing on the cause of the problem? Explain.