Workshop In A Pub
At Hanson Zandi, we’re a hard-working bunch, but we like to re-charge our creative batteries. So one bright morning, the intrepid team converged on the Bird-in-Hand, Knowl Hill (near Reading), for a creative workshop session. View their Facebook and Instagram here.
After the customary intake of caffeine, we delved into the world of signs and sign-systems across the ages, using stone-age carvings, medieval heraldry and twenty-first century shower gels as exemplars, and reflected on what this means for our creative work, especially when working across international markets.
Always partial to a bit of natty millinery, the team then plunged into a creative thinking workshop, using Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats method. OK, you don’t actually need to wear a series of different coloured hats – we did it for fun. Doing something that’s just a little bit silly has a very liberating effect, especially when everyone joins in.
Six Thinking Hats
‘Six Thinking Hats’ is a way of investigating an issue from a variety of perspectives, but in a clear, conflict-free way. It can be used by individuals or groups to move outside habitual ways of thinking, try out different approaches, and then think constructively about how to move forward.
The White Hat calls for information known or needed. “The facts, just the facts.”
The Yellow Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism. Under this hat you explore the positives and probe for value and benefit.
The Black Hat. Risks, difficulties, problems – The risk management Hat. Probably the most powerful Hat; a problem, however, if overused.
Spot difficulties where things might go wrong, or something may not work. Inherently an action hat with the intent to point out issues of risk in order to overcome them.
The Red Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition. When using this hat you can express emotions and feelings and share fears, likes, dislikes, loves, and hates.
The Green Hat focuses on creativity; the possibilities, alternatives, and new ideas. It’s an opportunity to express new concepts and new perceptions.
“We left the venue with a clutch of great ideas and resolutions and look forward to implementing them.”
References:
More information on the ‘Six Thinking Hats’ programme: www.debonogroup.com
