Decision in Paradise 2 In this paper we will look at a rational and effective thinking technique in which a person can evaluate all sides of critical decision making and most often plan for all possible scenarios in a particular situation. The situation that we are discussing in this scenario is the establishment of a Walgreens on the small island of Kava. The technique we will be using to analyze the situation is the “Six Thinking Hats” or the “de Bono Hats System”. As stated by Wikipedia (2009), S.T.H “is a thinking tool for group discussion and individual thinking. Combined with the idea of parallel thinking which is associated with it, it provides a means for groups to think together more effectively, and a means to plan thinking processes in a detailed and cohesive way.” In the article Six Thinking Hats: Looking at a Decision from All Points of View the author explained “Six thinking hats is a powerful technique that helps to look at important decisions from a number of different perspectives” (2008). He goes on to say “It helps to make better decision by pushing one to move outside their habitual ways of thinking. It helps to understand the full complexity of the decision, and spot issues and opportunities to which one might otherwise be blind” (U.K.A., 2008). When using this particular problem solving technique it makes it possible for one to solve problems and analyze scenarios from multiple approaches. We will now look at the Decisions in Paradise scenario using the “Six Thinking Hats” approach. White Hat/ Hat #1: “With this thinking hat, you focus on the data available. Look at the information you have, and see what you can learn from it. Look for gaps in your knowledge, and either try to fill them or take account of them. This is where you analyze past trends, and try to extrapolate from historical data” (U.K.A, 2008). When applying this step to the Decisions in Paradise Scenario and in relation to the establishment of a Walgreens, one has to draw these conclusions; Kava has the potential for cash crops such as coffee, sugar, cocoa, and spices, which can be sold at the local store to attract locals and tourists. We have also learned that the island of Kava has petroleum which therefore leads to the potential to make money in energy production and guarantees the coming and going of people on the island. What else do we know? The island of Kava is a diversified place. There are many different nationalities and spoken languages. Most of the general population is adolescents and are under the age of 15. As for climate, it can be seen as almost a paradise. Although, the island is plagued with multiple types of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, etc. There are also some other potentially harmful things that plague this island nation including; Avian Flu, HIV/AIDS Virus, and terrorism. There are many factors that could potentially help and harm the success of a business being established in Kava.

Red Hat/ Hat #2: The red hat is described by the author of Six Thinking Hats: Looking at things from all points of view as “…you look at the decision using intuition, gut reaction, and emotion. Also try to think how other people will react emotionally, and try to understand the intuitive responses of people who do not fully know your reasoning” (U.K.A., 2008). In this particular situation it is important to take your feelings and the feelings of other important people related to the business in Kava into consideration. My feelings tell me that there is great potential for the island of Kava to be a great tourist stop and an overall success, although there are tough obstacles that must be overcome before the objective can be complete. Also, one must take into consideration the feelings of the people of Kava. The government of Kava is all for the establishment of this new business from the perspective that this could potentially help their economy and the quality of life of their people. Another factor that must be taken into consideration is the emotions of the stakeholders within the company. It is my belief that they would not have sent employees if they had no faith that things could be turned around and be a possibly profitable venture. Black Hat/ Hat #3 The Black Hat step is one where it is advised for people to look at the situation from a pessimistic perspective. One must take into consideration reasons why the plan might not work. “This is important because it highlights the weak points in a plan or course of action. It allows you to eliminate them, alter your approach, or prepare contingency plans to counter problems that arise” (U.K.A., 2008). When looking at the Kava situation there are many potential problems that would allow someone to be pessimistic of the outcome of establishing a business there. For instance, with all the natural disasters, who is to say that buildings and the workforce could not all be swept away in a tidal wave. Also, are things such as the Avian Flu and the HIV Virus going to dissipate the small workforce that the island has? The company must plan for these potential disasters. Like making sure that all building have a basement to be used for safety in case of a tornado and reinforced storm windows in case of a hurricane. Also, in order to keep the workforce healthy, it would be a good idea to establish clinics and bring in healthcare workers to treat people and keep the work force healthy while at the same time giving back to the community in which the business has been established, in this case we know that Walgreens has a pharmacy and could probably use that to give something back to the community of Kava and make a good relationship with the population and the government. Yellow Hat/ Hat #4 “The yellow hat helps you to think positively. It is the optimistic viewpoint that helps you to see all the benefits of the decision and the value in it, and spot the opportunities that arise from it” (U.K.A., 2008). When applied to the Kava scenario there are many possible positive outcomes that can come with establishing a travel business within the island. Tourism can bring in much needed revenue for the community. When people come to the island off of cruise ships, etc. they are going to spend much needed dollars at restaurants and at local shops, but it always helps having stores that are well known that will offer the regular products and some of the local products. This creates profits for the company and for the island. Much of this money can better the lives of the people of Kava. The government can use taxes to build more community centers and hospitals. Also, best case scenario, they bring in enough income to establish medical labs and begin testing for cures for the dieses that plague the island. Green Hat/ Hat #5 The author of the article tells that the Green Hat step is the creative hat. In this step it is important to brainstorm creative solutions for problems that may arise. For instance, a creative way to create a proper work force including residents of the island would be to establish after school programs that teach the necessary information for people to fill the jobs that are so needed. These programs can include things such as typing and writing classes, seminars, and other classes that teach useful skills to those who might not otherwise have that opportunity. This creates a solution for the problem of having to outsource to fill job vacancies, while at the same time giving back to the community. The people who teach these seminars can be employees from the company established and can work community service as part of the companies goal to help the people and also give back. Blue Hat/ Hat #6 “The Blue Hat stands for process control. This is the hat worn by people chairing meetings. When running into difficulties because ideas are running dry, they may direct activity into Green Hat thinking. When contingency plans are needed, they will ask for Black Hat thinking, and so on” (U.K.A., 2008). In this business scenario the people who will fill this particular role are people like Alex and corporate executives. This process is a great way to cover all bases when making important decisions and brainstorming ideas and solutions. In the island of Kava scenario, there are many potential problems as well as possible benefits for building a store and an office. With the “Six Thinking Hats” technique, one can account for all possible problems and road blocks as well as plan relevant positives. This process also allots for creative thinking and coming up with unorthodox ways of creating a successful outcome.

References U.K.A.(2008).Six Thinking Hats: Looking at a Decision from All Points of View. http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTED_07.htm Various Authors (2010). Wikipedia: de Bono Hats. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Bono_Hats .