Two Options Are Not Enough
Amanda Setili
I help leaders agree on what needs to change (and how). Author, "The Agility Advantage" and "Fearless Growth?". Member, Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches.
If you are trying to decide between two options, expand your thinking. You'll make a better decision if you introduce at least one additional option.
In most cases, the fact that you have just two options is less a function of how many actual possibilities exist, and more because you—or someone else—framed the question in the simplest, fastest and most obvious manner.
You’re left with a decision between A or B. You may put a lot of thought into which is better, examining the pros and cons of each. But what if you first paused to consider what other options exist?
Two quick examples:
●???? Should we acquire this company or not? These two options are very black or white. But should you also consider just partnering with them? Or entering into a contractual agreement, such as licensing their technology, co-branding products, or outsourcing to them?
●???? Should we hold this conference virtually or in person? What if we hold two virtual sessions to allow people to get to know each other and prepare, and then have a shorter in-person session that's combined with a fun activity?
Shifting from two to three options will deepen your thinking and broaden your perspective.
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And looking for a third option often helps you identify new ways to meet your objectives. Often you’ll realize that there are four or five options that each provide different benefits.
This simple rule of thumb “have at least three options” has served me well for decades.
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I help successful leaders and their teams agree on what needs to change and how to make it happen. I am the author of?Fearless?Growth and?The Agility Advantage.?
For more strategies, videos and free materials, please visit?www.setili.com. If you are curious, here are a few quick examples of the work we do. You might also enjoy my Fearless Growth Podcast.
Contact me anytime to discuss your situation and how I can support you.
CEO, Purpose Linked Consulting; Member: Marshall Goldsmith 100 Coaches; Executive Coach, Leadership & Team Expert; Speaker; 2021 International Thought Leader of Distinction; Author & SmartBrief Columnist
4 个月Great reminder Amanda Setili! Rarely are the only choices binary.
Empowering business leaders to leverage their personal brand for business growth | Business Strategist & Speaker | Linkedin Strategy | Video Marketing | Online Visibility | AI Marketing
4 个月Brilliant point, powerfully explained. This practice of always looking for a 3rd (or more) option has served me well, also. This is a good reminder to always put at least 3 options on the table.
CEO, MVP Executive Development, Coach, Business Advisor, Leadership Expert, Speaker, Facilitator, Author of the National Bestseller "What Lights You Up? Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career"
4 个月So interesting Amanda Setili! There is even the law of three in nature and in our history books! Makes so much sense.
Inc 5000 CEOs Leading the Future with Executive Abundance | Exec Coach: Marshall Goldsmith’s 100 Coaches | Top 16 Leadership Voice | 2x TEDx Speaker | Intl Bestseller 65 Books | x-Public Board Member
4 个月This is such a powerful and practical reminder to think beyond binary choices Amanda! Expanding to a third option not only broadens perspectives but often uncovers creative solutions we might have overlooked. Your examples make it so relatable—especially the idea of blending virtual and in-person events. Thank you for sharing this simple yet impactful rule of thumb, it’s a great mindset shift for decision-making!
Championing disruptive innovation for sustainable, and substantial results | Global Transformations | Senior People and Operations Executive | Executive Coach | C Suite Partner | Ex McKinsey
4 个月So true - Go beyond the obvious, think differently! Thanks for the reminder Amanda ??