The Six Thinking Hats

This is Edward De Bono’s Classic tool – for mapping a situation and understanding all aspects of a problem. This tool is extremely effective when used in groups. Most of us tend to see situations through the flawed windows of our own nature. We are optimistic or pessimistic and do not really participate with others in understanding all aspects and connotations of a problem. The Six thinking hats can help a group or even a person to study all aspects of a problem. Here are what the hats stand for. White Hat – An objective look at data and information Red Hat - Legitimate feelings, hunches & invitation Black Hat – Logical negative judgment and caution Yellow Hat – Logical positive, flexibility and benefits Green Hat – New ideas and creative thinking. Blue hat – Control of the thinking process Each of us wear each hat in turn or persuade others to wear them. I’d like to state here, that while thinking one should remove all barriers and obstacles. Thinking is the easiest way of testing a solution. Thinking through all possibilities can prevent major financial distress. But most people are as careful and timid with their thinking as they are with their actions, thus losing the possibility of nurturing creative ideas.