Many in the fields of business, sports, or philosophy talk about the relative importance of, and conflicts between, process vs the outcome (or result) focus. When faced with difficult or stressful situations we might habitually focus our attention on one or the other. In 1983 Ellen Langer of Harvard University wrote in The Psychology of Control that “... the difference between (the two) can be conceptualized as the difference between two questions:... ‘Can I do it’ versus ‘How do I do it’. The first question focuses attention on “the supposed (or possible) limitations of the self as a problem solver” and presents a risk to self esteem. The second question focuses attention “away from the self and (instead) on various strategies by which the problem might be solved”. Their research went on to show that in many situations those who naturally, or by intentional training, focused on the process of an activity would later “perceive themselves to be more in control and to display greater confidence in their ability to solve it than those who focused on outcome only”.
Professional golfers who must focus their skill over 4 days usually find that process thinking helps them stay in the moment under pressure and is more relaxing (controllable). Gymnasts report similar experiences. Their “result” then tends to be more personally positive or successful. Bosses or managers that focus intensely on “results” only (the end justifies the mean, pun intended) often create significant stress in their employees. Same for parents with school performance or child-sport issues. How about its affect on a marriage? Short term success in productivity is sometimes shown under these circumstances but turnover rates, stress, conflicts, and threats to one’s esteem can be high prices to pay.
“Can you do it”: Yes or No
“Let’s talk about ‘HOW’ to solve this problem or accomplish this task”
Professional golfers who must focus their skill over 4 days usually find that process thinking helps them stay in the moment under pressure and is more relaxing (controllable). Gymnasts report similar experiences. Their “result” then tends to be more personally positive or successful. Bosses or managers that focus intensely on “results” only (the end justifies the mean, pun intended) often create significant stress in their employees. Same for parents with school performance or child-sport issues. How about its affect on a marriage? Short term success in productivity is sometimes shown under these circumstances but turnover rates, stress, conflicts, and threats to one’s esteem can be high prices to pay.
“Can you do it”: Yes or No
“Let’s talk about ‘HOW’ to solve this problem or accomplish this task”
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