Positive Return On Outcome

 

In discussions about the Return On Outcome (ROO) concept, the conversation invariably turns to how to tangibly measure something that is qualitative and subjective like ROO.

I spoke to Patrick Quinn-Bryant recently who provided a sound rationale. He noted that the base criteria for determining a sound return on investment (ROI) is either a positive or a negative ROI, with the former determining it’s real quantifiable benefit. 

He proposed that ROO should have similar criteria - a positive or negative return on the ultimate outcome. This makes sense but is it a practical approach to consider in real life situations?

Then, this happened.

The video shows a major league baseball game played between the fabled New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto, Canada. The star batter for the Yankees, Aaron Judge, hits a home run into the stands towards a Toronto Blue Jays fan, Mike Lanzillotta who retrieves the valuable ball. 

In what seems like a random act of kindness, he instinctively hands the ball to nine-year-old Yankees fan, Derek Rodriguez, who is resplendent in a Yankees t-shirt bearing his idol Judge’s name and number. The youngster is surprised and overwhelmed by the gesture and both embrace, which is televised. The incident goes viral globally on social media and news outlets.

I can’t help but think that when Lanzillotta caught the ball, he could have been thinking ROI, as everything has an ROI apparently. If so, he would have been rubbing his hands in glee as an Aaron Judge baseball is currently worth at least US$450. His action also resulted in a gift from Judge himself of his game-used batting gloves (US$1500 value). A definitive positive ROI on his purchased ticket investment.

However, in surrendering his newly acquired asset to Rodriguez, he realised a more powerful positive return as an outcome. 

He achieved instant fame from his globally publicised action on traditional and social media. He boosted his personal brand as a great human and perpetuated the nice guy reputation for Canadians.  Personally, his kind gesture landed him a priceless hug from a fan whose dream he just made come true. An immeasurable outcome that generated a memorable ROO all round. 

It would be interesting to find out from a value perspective whether Lanzillotta assessed the ROI or the ROO as being the most fulfilling for him financially or, more personally and for the community.

I think I know which one the world would choose.