This exercise is modeled after research conducted by Bond et al. (2008). In this exercise, participants are asked to generate objectives for an important decision. If this is conducted in a group, try to identify a decision of common interest and importance. For example, ask participants “ What objectives are relevant to you when buying a house? ” (Depending on the audience, other topics might include business unit objectives, choosing a major, or choosing a job.) 

Have participants independently generate a list of objectives. Then break them into teams to compare lists of objectives. If you wish to conduct a formal exercise, you can have a note - taker list all of the objectives for each team, which will involve grouping and eliminating redundant objectives. Have participants assess the completeness of their own list of objectives – were there important objectives generated by other group members that they overlooked? Expand the conversation by having participants discuss how a list of objectives could be used as a decision tool in an organization.