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Speaker: Priscilla Blanchot
Creating alignment within a team is a crucial aspect of successful problem-solving and efficient collaboration. In this article, we'll explore two powerful frameworks for team alignment discussed by Priscilla Blanchot during her presentation. These frameworks, the Six Hat Method and the Sailboat Exercise, can help teams overcome challenges, make informed decisions, and promote creativity. We'll delve into these frameworks, their benefits, and how they can be applied in various situations.
1. The Six Hat Method: A Tool for Diverse Thinking
The Six Hat Method, developed by German psychologist Edward de Bono, is a structured approach that encourages teams to consider various perspectives and thinking modes when addressing a problem. Priscilla explained that this method promotes open-mindedness and constructive discussions by directing participants to think from different angles without judgment. Let's explore how it works.
The Six Hats
Blue Hat: The leader or facilitator, responsible for maintaining control, objectivity, and overseeing the process.
White Hat: Focuses on facts and data, gathering information, and answering questions like: What is known? What can be known?
Red Hat: Represents emotions and feelings. Team members share their gut reactions and emotions regarding the problem.
Black Hat: Encourages critical thinking by identifying potential issues, weaknesses, and doubts. Participants express their concerns.
Yellow Hat: Encourages optimism and creativity, focusing on solutions and positive outcomes. Participants share their hopes and wishes.
Green Hat: Encourages fresh, creative thinking, seeking alternatives, innovative ideas, and potential improvements.
Application
The team starts with the Blue Hat, who acts as a moderator and introduces the problem. They then guide the team through each thinking mode. The team members put on each hat one by one, expressing their thoughts and ideas. This structured approach ensures that everyone's perspective is considered and helps in aligning the team's thinking.
2. The Sailboat Exercise: Navigating Challenges
The Sailboat Exercise, sometimes referred to as the Lightning Decision Jam, is a creative problem-solving technique used within a time frame of 60 minutes. Priscilla explained that this exercise is a collaborative process that promotes alignment and focuses on finding solutions to specific challenges.
The Sailboat Model
Setting Sail: In this step, participants list all the positive aspects or elements related to the problem or challenge.
Anchors: In this step, participants list the negative aspects or challenges associated with the problem.
Plotting the Course: Participants use red dots to vote on the challenges that need the most attention, helping prioritize them.
Reframing the Challenge: The identified challenge is reframed as a "How might we" question, making it actionable.
Wind in the Sails: Participants brainstorm as many solutions as possible to address the reframed challenge.
Charting the Course: Participants vote on the most valuable solutions.
Impact Mapping: Participants assess the impact and effort required for each solution, prioritizing them for execution.
Executing Solutions: Teams brainstorm the steps needed to implement the chosen solutions.
Application
The Sailboat Exercise is a dynamic way of addressing challenges and aligning a team's efforts toward solving them. It encourages creative thinking, collective decision-making, and a shared sense of direction. The process is interactive, engaging, and especially useful for teams looking to overcome obstacles and make decisions effectively.
Conclusion
Team alignment is essential for effective problem-solving and collaboration. Priscilla Blanchot introduced two powerful frameworks during her presentation: the Six Hat Method and the Sailboat Exercise. These techniques promote diverse thinking, constructive discussions, and creative problem-solving. The Six Hat Method encourages participants to view a problem from different angles, while the Sailboat Exercise helps teams navigate challenges by prioritizing solutions.
Whether you're a facilitator or an internal team member, these frameworks can improve your team's alignment, communication, and problem-solving abilities. Start practicing these techniques and watch your team become more efficient, creative, and aligned in their efforts.
Q&A
Q1: How long does it take to do the sailboat strategy?
Originally, the Sailboat Exercise takes 60 minutes. However, it can be adjusted based on the team's size and needs, potentially reducing the time.
Q2: How do you determine impact on the two-by-two graph with the exercise when the impact variable is unknown?
When the impact variable is unknown, the team can discuss the potential impact by considering the pros and cons, as well as engaging in a dialogue about their expectations for each solution.
Q3: How do you encourage team members who have different personalities or fear of conflict to express their feelings honestly during these exercises?
The facilitator plays a crucial role in encouraging open communication. To make everyone feel comfortable, the facilitator can:
Ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak.
Encourage active listening and respect for differing opinions.
Use a structured approach, like the Six Hat Method, to create a safe space for all perspectives.
Q4: Do you have any suggestions on how to practice being a better facilitator?
To become a better facilitator, you can:
Participate in training programs or workshops on facilitation.
Observe experienced facilitators in action.
Practice facilitation in different settings, such as mock meetings or workshops.
Seek feedback from colleagues and team members on your facilitation skills.
Q5: Have you read "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" and how does it relate to these alignment techniques?
I haven't read that book, but it addresses team dynamics and common challenges in teams. These alignment techniques, such as the Six Hat Method and Sailboat Exercise, can complement the strategies presented in the book by promoting open communication, resolving conflicts, and fostering collaboration.
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