Six Hats Thinking Problem Solving-Model
Assignment Overview(APA FORMAT)
Leaders need to be able to apply problem-solving models in order to make effective group and organizational decisions.
Assignment Instructions
For this assignment, examine the following leader dilemma and apply the Six Thinking Hats problem-solving model.
Isabel is the director of a small unit (total 13 on-site employees) responsible for much of the technology used in her organization. Her staff consists of technology specialists who design training for the organization as well as tech staff who support and deliver the training when needed. She has a small administrative team as well.
Right now the layout in her unit is not conducive to collaborative working. Her group is housed in a location away from the organization’s headquarters in a leased building. She has funds in the budget to upgrade the office and is considering a more open floor plan. Right now there are individuals in offices, an open conference/work area, and individuals in cubicles with 9-foot dividers between them. The space is in need of some major updates as the paint is faded, the carpets are worn, there are holes in the walls, and miscellaneous items are stacked everywhere.
Isabel recently connected with a company that offers assistance in redesigning workspaces. She was able to tour their facility and was extremely impressed with all the options. She wants to move to a more open space plan that will entail removing the 9ft fabric-covered cubicle dividers and replacing them with newer units that have a low glass wall. In addition, she wants to open up the floor space so that there is light flowing into the space and will provide more access to one another. She is now ready to implement changes but is aware of some pushback from some of her staff. Although the group is friendly with one another, there is sometimes a distance between the “cubicle people” and the “office people”. Everyone is worried about increased noise level although the designer shared that people with higher walls tend to talk louder than when there are no walls or short ones.
Use the Six Thinking Hats method to analyze this issue and make a recommendation as to whether you would encourage Isabel to move forward or to take another route. Be sure to adhere to each of the Six Thinking Hats guidelines in your analysis. Submit your essay with the Six Thinking Hats Worksheet as the Appendix. (See attached)
1. Analyze the problem you identified using the Six Hats Worksheet.
2. Write up an essay which includes:
a. Summary of the factors examined under each of the six hats.
b. What is the decision that Isabel should make? What is the rationale for the decision?
c. Do you expect any resistance, if so by whom? What can Isabel do to mitigate resistance and promote acceptance?
d. Reflect on the use of Six Thinking Hats for evaluating the decision.
e. What was the benefit(s) of using this model for decision-making? Are there any short-comings? Was the decision made different by using the model than what your initial instinct was after reading the scenario? Why or why not
202912521_Six_Hats_Worksheet_4538502449848110 (2)
Solution Preview
Isabel a top director and supervises a small number of site and technical and specialist Employees’ .She is in a situation of dilemma about the organizational arrangement so as to create a conducive environment for its employees. Among his group of employees…
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