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Parallel thinking: Six Thinking Hats

Edward de Bono, in his book Six Thinking Hats®, introduced a structured method for brainstorming and individual thinking. When used in a group setting, all participants wear the same color hat at a time, meaning they focus on a single perspective collectively. This method encourages diverse viewpoints and helps teams analyze problems or solutions from different angles.


Understanding the Six Thinking Hats

During discussions on topics such as product selection or business strategy, team members focus on specific perspectives by "wearing different hats," meaning they adopt different ways of thinking. The six hats represent different thinking approaches:

White Hat – Facts and Information

The first step in decision-making is gathering information. This perspective involves identifying what information is available, what is needed, and how to collect it. The focus is on facts and objective data.

Green Hat – Creativity and Alternatives

The green hat represents creativity. Team members think about alternative solutions, explore different ways of doing things, and identify innovative options. The focus is on generating new ideas and approaches.

Yellow Hat – Optimism and Benefits

The yellow hat focuses on positive aspects. Team members identify the benefits, advantages, and value a solution, method, or product can bring. It encourages optimistic thinking and highlights opportunities.

Black Hat – Critical Thinking and Risks

The black hat involves critical judgment. It helps identify potential issues, weaknesses, and risks associated with an idea. Team members evaluate what could go wrong, ensuring that problems are addressed before implementation.

Red Hat – Emotions and Intuition

The red hat represents emotions, intuition, and gut feelings. It allows team members to express their immediate reactions, fears, and personal opinions without the need for logic or justification.

Blue Hat – Process and Control

The blue hat oversees the thinking process. It ensures that discussions follow the Six Thinking Hats framework. The blue hat wearer directs the conversation—for example, shifting to the black hat when risks need to be assessed or to the green hat when creativity is lacking.

Benefits of the Six Thinking Hats Method

  • Brings discipline to the thinking process.

  • Enhances productivity in brainstorming sessions.

  • Encourages creativity and the discovery of alternative solutions.

  • Helps teams save time by conducting structured and focused discussions.

  • Ensures a well-rounded approach by covering risks, opportunities, gut feelings, and innovations.

Where to Use It?

The Six Thinking Hats method is useful in various scenarios, including:

  • Innovation

  • Decision-making processes

  • Organizational, product, or process transformation

Interesting Resources

For more information, visit: The de Bono Group

Note: Six Thinking Hats® is a registered trademark of The de Bono Group, LLC or their associates. 

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