6 Thinking Hats System of Edward de bono

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)