Winnie-the-Pooh Decision Framework

“The things that make me different are the things that make me me.” – A. A. Milne, Piglet

Decision making can and should be fun! One way to add levity is to examine different perspectives through the lenses of characters from your favorite books, movies, and/or theatre productions. A favorite from childhood is the beloved teddy bear Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends who were brought to life by English author A. A. Milne in his collection of children’s stories first published in 1926.

When thinking through the different angles of a decision and its associated solution space, consider what the following characters would do:

Winnie the Pooh, teddy bear: Pooh is a friendly, thoughtful, and insightful character who is always willing to help his friends and try his best. He often has a clever idea, usually driven by common sense.

Piglet, small pink swine: While Piglet is a "very small animal", he is very brave when faced with a crisis and given sufficient encouragement (usually by Pooh). He steps up to a challenge, conquers his fears, and gets things done.

Eeyore, old grey stuffed donkey: Eeyore is Pooh's ever-gloomy, pessimistic, and sarcastic donkey friend. His passive nature makes him the most reluctant to go along with the group’s plans or adventures. Further, he usually expects misfortune to happen to him, accepts it when it does, and rarely even tries to prevent it.

Tigger, black and orange tiger: Tigger's happiness, optimism, and outgoingness make him bounce around constantly with joy and raw enthusiasm. He is cheerful, outgoing, competitive in a friendly way, undertakes tasks with gusto and fun. He has complete confidence in himself, believing that any task is "what tiggers do best".

Rabbit: Rabbit likes to take charge, get organized, and come up with elaborate plans.

Kanga, mother kangaroo: Kanga is kind-hearted, calm, patient, and docile. She likes to keep things clean and organized, is highly empathetic, and offers motherly advice.

Roo, Kanga’s young son: As the youngest, Roo offers a fresh perspective and challenges the status quo. He likes to ask, “Why?” Roo is always up for trying something new.

Owl: As a wise, experienced mentor and teacher, Owl is often consulted by his friends when there is "thinking to be done".

   

By walking through the decision space through the eyes of each animal, you get to explore diverse, alternative solutions and pathways forward. This enhances your ability to understand each other better, accept each other’s flaws, and acknowledge each other’s strengths. Questions to consider include:

• o How would Eeryore’s and Tigger’s approaches differ?


• o What if we looked at all the data sources Owl would consider?


• o What if we enthusiastically said, “Yes!” to this opportunity the way Tigger and Roo would?


• o How could Kanga’s empathy enhance our relationship with our customers?


• o What if we took charge like Rabbit or used Pooh’s leadership style and brought all stakeholders together?

Since the stuffed animals are all friends, together they come up with some interesting adventures and clever solutions. And by using them as your thinking partners, you and your team can, too!

“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “What’s the first thing you say to yourself?” “What’s for breakfast,” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?” “I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet. Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “It’s the same thing,” he said..”
- A. A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh and Piglet

A special "Thank you!" to Wikipedia for the descriptions of the delightful Winnie-the-Pooh characters.

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