This technique is used to resolve goal conflicts concerning big goals and dreams. The S.C.O.R.E. model (Symptom, Cause, Outcome, Resource, Effect) was proposed by Robert Dilts as a structure for effectively organizing goals. It also ensures that before starting an intervention, you have gathered all important information, making it equally helpful for framing a speech, presentation, or performance review.

Definition of SCORE

• S = Symptom
• C = Cause
• O = Outcome
• R = Resource
• E = Effect

Structure of the SCORE Model

• S = Symptom: Description: current state in the present. Statement: “Now…” Question: “How are you?”; “Where do you stand now?”
• C = Cause: Description: the cause in the past. Statement: “… because…” Question: “What’s the reason?”
• O = Outcome: Description: the goal in the future. Statement: “… we want…” Question: “What do you want?”; “What is your goal?”
• R = Resource: Description: resources leading from S (Symptom) to O (Outcome). Statement: “… with…” Question: “What do you need for it?”; “Which support are you seeking?”
• E = Effect: Description: vision and meta-goal in the future. Statement: “… in order to…” Question: “How will it be when you achieve your goal?”

This systematically extracts all the information you need for your goal in order to effectively organize and achieve it. It serves as preparation and the foundation for subsequent interventions.

Standard Steps

• Experience and describe the Goal (O)
• Experience and describe the Meta-Goal (E)
• From Meta, move to the Present
• From Symptom (S) move to Cause (C)
• Resource Work on R
• Timeline Work with Resource Search
• Resource Integration
• Resource Transformation for C
• Resource Transformation for S
• Resource Transformation for O
• Integrate the new SCORE in Meta and bring it to the Present

Detailed Description

1. Experience and Describe the Goal (O)

Experience and describe the (big) goal (O). “What is your dream/goal?” Use the Logical Levels, focusing on behavior and capabilities (levels 2 and 3).

2. Experience and Describe the Meta-Goal (E)

Experience and describe your meta-goal (E). “For what purpose do you want that? What becomes possible by achieving it?” Use the Logical Levels, focusing on vision (level 5).

3. Move from Meta to the Present

From Meta, go to the Present (S), experience and describe. “How do you manage not to achieve your goal?” Use Logical Levels for behavior and capabilities (levels 2 and 3).

4. Move from Symptom (S) to Cause (C)

Move from S to the Cause (C) in the past. Identify the cause/values conflict: “What’s holding you back? Why does that hold you back? What’s more important than your dream?” Use logical levels, focusing on vision (level 5).

5. Work on R (Resources)

At R: “What is more important than [C]? Experience it. What is more important than [C&E] together? Experience that. What is still more meaningful than [C&E] combined? Experience it.”

6. Timeline Work with Resource Search

Find and experience the (most recently mentioned) resource on your timeline. Take it to R.

7. Resource Integration

Bring the resource into (E) and transform it. “How does that transform (E)?”

8. Resource Transformation for C (Cause)

Use R and the transformed (E) via Meta to integrate into (C). “How does that transform (C)?”

9. Resource Transformation for S (Symptom)

Use R and the transformed (C) to integrate into (S). “How does that transform (S)?”

10. Resource Transformation for O (Outcome)

Use R and the transformed (S) to integrate into (O). “How does that transform (O)?”

11. Integrate the new SCORE in Meta and bring it to the Present

In Meta, integrate the new SCORE and bring it back to the present (just behind S).