The 6 Thinking Hats is a systematic, structured, parallel-thinking framework designed by physician and thought-organization expert Edward de Bono. The framework is designed for better decision making, problem-solving, reducing conflict, and exploring any issue from six different perspectives.
Each thinking hat plays a distinct function and role. Each
thinking role is identified with a colored symbolic “thinking hat.” By mentally
wearing and switching “hats,” you can easily focus or redirect thoughts, a
conversation, or an interaction. Looking at things from these perspectives
ensures that you direct your thinking in the best possible way rather than letting
it run on auto-pilot.
1. 1.
White Hat (This type of thinking focuses on
facts, just facts. Separate facts from feelings. It's all about information. It
focuses on available data, facts, and identifying information gaps.)
2. 2. Yellow Hat (This type of thinking focuses on
benefits, brightness, and optimism. Balancing fear with possibility. It
explores the positive, optimistic, and beneficial aspects of a decision.)
3. 3. Blue Hat (This thinking hat is all about
management, direction, and organization of thought. It enables the person to
stop getting stuck in a spiral and set an agenda that will steer them forward.
It's a control mechanism to minimize stress and stay organized.)
4. 4, Green Hat (This thinking hat is all about
options, creativity; the possibilities, alternatives, and new ideas. Is there
another way to do this? Is there an alternative to this? This hat questions
like these.)
5. 5, Black Hat (As the name suggests, this thinking
hat focuses on identifying the dark or negative things, the risks before they
create trouble. It Identifies potential problems, risks, dangers, and critical,
logical reasons for caution. When used wisely, this thinking hat is
tremendously powerful, but when overused, it can amplify the problems and
generate unnecessary doubts or fears.)
6. 6. Red Hat (Red Thinking Hat is all about feelings,
emotions, hunches, intuitions, and gut reactions. This thinking process calls
for investigating, understanding, and being aware of our deepest feelings,
fears, likes, dislikes, loves, and hates, so instead of driving your life, you
take the driver seat and direct them)
