"Is verses Want" Problem Solving Technique

The problem solving technique that I used this week is "Is verses Want".  I applied this technique to a situation that involved our Faculty Interview Project for this class, CLS 105.  I had successfully interviewed my three faculty members and was preparing to reflect on the experience when I read that I needed either signed department letterhead or a signed business card from them.  I did not do this and at first thought that my audio recording of the interview would be good enough.  I sent an email to my TA, Peter Gerlach, and he confirmed with Dr. Blumin that I needed the signed documentation.  So, my "Is verses Want" problem solving began.  By writing down my current situation verses my desired situation, I began to see clearly what action I needed to take.  Knowing that I had an action plan made me focus on what had to be done to achieve my desired results. I was lucky that the faculty members I interviewed were accommodating and that I took action on Thursday and not Friday. This "Is verses Want" problem solving technique worked for me and probably saved me from points being taken off on my Faculty Interview Project.