'Well-formed' or well designed outcomes'

What are they?

These are goals, objectives or targets which have been systematically refined so that they fulfil six criteria.

When our wants, dreams or wishes are refined using this process they become more believable and realisable. This is why they are then described as being `well-formed' outcomes

The term 'well-formed' has been around in NLP for over 30 years. However, as with many NLP terms, this name gets in the way of understanding the simplicity of the model. Some people, to make things even more obtuse, even refer to the 'well-formedness conditions for an outcome'.

Simply put, what the term really means is that the outcome has been refined or checked against six tests and once it 'passes' these tests it is well-designed - or, if you must, 'well-formed'!

You can use this process to clarify your own wishes so that they are more realistic and action-focussed - and to assist others in doing the same.

Why use this way of dealing with goals?

Going through the six questions creates a detailed internal image or concept in your mind - an important step in creating a belief in your objective.

The 6-step outcome process ensures you focus on what you DO want rather than on what you do NOT want. Your attention is on what to do and how to do it rather than on problems, excuses, alibis, and explanations.

Outcomes directionalise a person’s thoughts and actions. Use them for your goals, dreams, wishes - and watch what happens. The six WFO questions distinguish between those factors which are relevant to getting what you want and those which are in the realm of history, complaint, etc.

Using this process improves your rapport with other people. If you have a joint project using the well-formed outcome process to match and align your objectives adds to the rapport already existing between you – since you now have a joint commitment to the outcome towards which you are both moving. And when you use it to assist someone in clarifying what they want for themselves they are likely to appreciate your concern and interest.

It provides a means of evaluating progress. Having a well-formed outcome makes it more likely that you will quickly recognise when you are thinking or acting in ways that are at variance with your well-formed outcome, giving you a signal to stop and re-evaluate your activities.

When use to clarify formal discussions work-related discussions or meetings the outcome steps provide a framework that keeps discussions and activity on course.

How

Use the six questions. It may not be necessary to go through all of the questions for every objective. Use your discretion and apply the questions that are appropriate at the time.

When using the questions with other people first establish a very good quality of rapport and then either introduce the process formally or use the process in a conversational manner.

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'Well-formed Outcomes'

What are they?

These are goals, objectives or targets which have been systematically refined so that they fulfil six criteria.

When our wants, dreams or wishes are refined using this process they become more believable and realisable. This is why they are then described as being `well-formed' outcomes - they have fulfilled certain 'well-formedness conditions'.

Use this process to clarify your own wishes more realistic and action-oriented - and to assist others in doing the same.

Why use this way of dealing with goals?

Going through the six questions creates a detailed internal representation in your mind - an important step in creating a belief in your objective.

The 6-step outcome process ensures you focus on what you DO want rather than on what you do NOT want. Your attention is on what to do and how to do it rather than on problems, excuses, alibis, and explanations.

Outcomes directionalise a person’s thoughts and actions. Use them for your goals, dreams, wishes - and watch what happens. The six WFO questions distinguish between those factors which are relevant to getting what you want and those which are in the realm of history, complaint, etc.

Using this process improves your rapport with other people. If you have a joint project using the well-formed outcome process to match and align your objectives adds to the rapport already existing between you – since you now have a joint commitment to the outcome towards which you are both moving. And when you use it to assist someone in clarifying what they want for themselves they are likely to appreciate your concern and interest.

It provides a means of evaluating progress. Having a well-formed outcome makes it more likely that you will quickly recognise when you are thinking or acting in ways that are at variance with your well-formed outcome, giving you a signal to stop and re-evaluate your activities.

When use to clarify formal discussions work-related discussions or meetings the outcome steps provide a framework that keeps discussions and activity on course.

How

Use the six questions. It may not be necessary to go through all of the questions for every objective. Use your discretion and apply the questions that are appropriate at the time.

When using the questions with other people first establish a very good quality of rapport and then either introduce the process formally or use the process in a conversational manner.