Communicorps :: Learning :: By Definition

Attribute Listing

Attribute listing is a great technique for ensuring all possible aspects of a problem have been examined. Attribute listing is breaking the problem down into smaller and smaller bits and seeing what you discover when you do. It is a good technique to use in conjunction with some other creative techniques, especially idea-generating ones like brainstorming. This technique is especially useful with highly complex projects which may have dozens of attributes.

After you list a project's attributes, consider each one separately. Brainstorm how that one attribute may be altered, improved, combined or subtracted to contribute more positively to the overall project.

For a planning session for a worship service, you may list attributes like pre-service music, opening, worship music, soloist or choir special, message and closing. You may also list other attributes like sound, lighting, video, printed bulletin and room temperature. You could go further by listing ancillary influences like restrooms, parking, directional signage, church website, ushers, facilities cleaning and furnishings. Or how about attributes like mood of the pastor, mood of the congregation, other events that have occurred in the last week and events planned before and after worship? All of these attributes have an impact on worship. Attribute listing encourages looking at each of these separately.