Initially the group thinks as outsiders and review the facts, data and external viewpoints regarding the issue at hand. They might take the roles of consultants, customers, suppliers or competitors in order to get a more rounded view of the issue.
The group then leaves the room and re-enters but this time as dreamers. They strive to imagine an ideal solution without any constraints. They brainstorm all sorts of ideas to resolve the problem using divergent thinking. No criticism or judgment is allowed. Many ideas are generated and written down.
The group leaves the room and then returns as realisers – realists with a practical, constructive mindset. They review the ideas that the dreamers generated and apply criteria to converge on the best ideas. Once they have selected the best idea they work it up into a project plan with costs timescales, risks and benefits.
The group now turns to the fourth thinking style and everyone becomes a critic who reviews the plan in order to identify problems, obstacles and risks. They are not negative or cynical but critical and constructive. Their objective is to spot the issues with the plan and to make it better.
At this stage the process might be complete or you might want to go back to one of the other styles in order to get an outsider’s view of the plan, to dream of new or enhanced plans or to work as realisers on the details of the plan.
Some people find this method easier to use than the Six Hats. It will generally deliver good ideas and a well-considered project plan.
More on this and other methods in the book, How to Generate Ideas
Hi,
A great article. It covers everything from idea generation to its critical analysis. It is very impressive how every aspect is considered and analysed from all possible angles.
It is really amazing how it has been converted into a method with definite steps. This method is kind of fool-proof. It has to succeed almost always.
Thanks for sharing this method with us. Have a great day!
-Naveen
If you read it closely, you will see that it parallels the Orientations on the Creatrix Innovation Assessment.