B.L.U.E. Tool

I use a tool to assist in evaluating the best fit for a particular idea. It’s called the B.L.U.E. Tool (B.enefits, L.imitations, U.niqueness, E.valuation), and I include a sample template below.

JUMP! B.L.U.E. Tool Template

First, take an idea and write it at the top. Then brainstorm the benefits offered by this particular idea, create a list of the idea’s limitations, and then list the unique features of the idea. Examples of benefits usually have to do with improving culture, attitudes, financial return on investment, etc.

Limitations can fall all over the board, but I often hear things like “management won’t go for it” or “it’s too radical” or things like that. Again, comments like these are very “un-JUMP!-like,” and when I hear them, I point out that the group needs to rethink how well it has done with the Get Ready stage.

Then there’s the Uniqueness column. I always have people ask me to define it, and here’s what I say: “Uniqueness has to do with any special qualities associated with this idea, something that brings unusual, uncommon, or unexpected benefits by using this idea.” That usually gets the group moving forward! Here’s how the BLUE Tool might be used:

• Individuals can use it by themselves (if they are working on something just for themselves, or if they are working as an individual who is part of a small group).
• Small groups (like table teams) can fill out one form together as a group.
• When I’m working with large groups (more than one table team), I have each table team fill out one BLUE form.
• I collect all the ideas by asking a representative from each table team, one at a time, to read “new thoughts” they have from each of the columns.
• I write the ideas on a flip chart at the front of the room.
• That way, the input coming from each of the small groups is captured by the larger group, and everyone has a chance to see the general commonality of the input and the occasional comments made by some table teams that are highly insightful.

The BLUE Tool is useful in mitigating strong personalities (who may be championing their own idea, even if it isn’t the best fit), the “we’ve always done it that way” biases, and other limiting factors. It can help you critically evaluate your Aha!’s in a comprehensive way.

Here’s a completed template — an example from a real customer situation (a manufacturing company), with any identifying information removed of course. They get cranky when their actual data is shared with others on the outside!

JUMP! B.L.U.E. Tool Example