Six Hats Brainstorming Activity
Using the six defined roles based on each color of the hat, consider all points of view in the following scenario. Keep in mind that with each different color hat, the type of thinking changes.
Scenario:
Management is looking at whether they should build a new office rental building. The amount of vacant office space is down, and the economy is doing well. The current company building is aging but is at full rental occupancy.
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These are some of the ideas and perspectives that should come out of the activity:
White Hat – Analysis of data in unrented office space, growth, economic trends, builder’s estimates.
- What information and facts do we have?
- What information is missing?
- How valid is this?
Red Hat – Feels the design of the building is appealing and tenants may like it. Happy and excited about the project. There may be mixed feelings from tenants at the older building.
- How do I feel about this?
- How am I reacting to this?
Black Hat – Overestimating the strength of the economy, will lose money, difficult to rent space.
- Will it work?
- What are the weaknesses?
- What is wrong with this?
Yellow Hat – Company stands to make profit if space is rented, economy stays strong and projections are accurate.
- How will this project help us?
- What are the benefits?
- What are the good points?
Green Hat – Offer special rates for current tenants to relocate into new building, use vacated space in old building to upgrade, convert to fitness space, for additional rental.
- What are some possible ways to work this out?
- What are some ways to solve problems?
Blue Hat – Thinking sessions usually begin and end with the Blue Hat. Normally the session leader uses the blue hat, and controls the sequence of the other hats, bringing the activity into focus, and organizing the thinking process. The Blue Hat ensures that all members are able to contribute to the discussion meaningfully.