Six Thinking Hats
Six Thinking Hats is a concept developed by Edward de Bono in the 1980s. The idea is that by using the metaphors of six different colored hats, individuals or groups can look at decisions from different points of view. Each “hat” comes with its own set of perspectives and approaches, and the user can switch between hats in order to get the full picture.
White Hat:
The white hat is used to think systematically and objectively. Its all about the facts, the numbers, and the data. The white hat looks at what information is available and which data points need to be studied to make the best decision.
Red Hat:
The red hat covers the emotional spectrum. It allows decision makers to think intuitively and consider the implications of their decisions from an emotional standpoint. Its all about gut feeling, intuition and feelings – and how they may impact the decision making process.
Black Hat:
The black hat stands for critical thinking, and looking at arguments and solutions from an analytical standpoint. Professionals put on the black hat when they want to look at the downside of solutions, solutions, ideas and arguments in order to find any weaknesses.
Yellow Hat:
The yellow hat is used in brainstorming and creative thinking. With it, people can look at solutions and ideas from a positive standpoint, and see how they might be used and applied to the situation. It helps open up the possibilities, and come up with new, successful solutions.
Green Hat:
The green hat stands for creativity and ideas. This hat is used to stimulate innovative and imaginative thinking. Its main focus is on generating as many new ideas as possible, without worrying about their feasibility or practicality.
Blue Hat:
The blue hat is used for managing the thinking process. It’s a way to ensure that the Six Thinking Hats process is applied effectively, from the beginning to the end of the decision making process. The blue hat helps to ensure that the participants are focusing on the task at hand and that all perspectives are considered.
Six Thinking Hats has often been used in the business world, but it can also be used in the classroom, in relationships, and in any other situation where decisions need to be made. The hats offer a creative approach to problem solving and decision making, and encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and consider perspectives that they may not have thought of before. By looking at solutions through the lens of the six different hats, individuals can gain a more complete picture of their decisions, and make sure that they are making the best one.
