If you want to communicate with confidence, develop a habit of being outcome focused.

Often, people focus on what they hope won’t happen instead of what they want to have happen. But the unconscious mind cannot process negative thoughts. The more you concentrate on what you don’t want, the more you’ll  get what you so anxiously want to avoid!

To combat this problem, focus on what you do want to happen. Instead of shutting the mind down, this type of thinking opens you up to possibilities, adjustments, and innovations.

Here’s an exercise to help — you can do it by yourself or with a partner:

First, consider a small  problem that you want to solve then  ask the following questions:

  • What is the problem or issue?
  • How long has it been a problem?
  • Who caused the problem or issue?
  • Who should take the blame?
  • What is the worst thing that could happen?
  • What has stopped you from solving the problem or issue?
  • Now ask yourself if this conversation has gotten you any closer to a solution you desire. The answer will most likely be no!

Create a shift in thought by answering the following questions about the same issue you brought up initially:

  • What do you want to happen?
  • How will you know when you have reached your outcome?
  • What resources can you draw on that will help you get what you want?
  • What resources are critical to getting what you want?
  • Where have you already been successful with something similar?
  • What is the first thing you need to do to get what you want?
  • Ask yourself again how you’re are feeling. If you have fully answered the questions above, you should have a good grasp of what has to be done to get the problem solved in a timely manner.

What other techniques do you have for shifting from problem thinking to outcome focus?

For more information on how you can become a powerful business communicator, download a complimentary copy of our groundbreaking new ebook, “The Leader’s Guide to Clear and Effective Communication”

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Roger Terry

Director of Training and Coaching at Evolution Training Ltd
Roger Terry is one of the world’s leading experts on applying NLP to drive excellence both professionally and personally. Roger leads seminars and consults with companies all over the world, including in the UK, USA, Europe and Middle East. He is the author of several books, including The Hidden Art of Interviewing, NLP and Qualitative Research, NLP for Teachers and The NLP Toolkit.