Six Thinking Hats
Edward de Bono’s 6 Thinking Hats ®
The notion of six thinking hats comes from Edward De Bono (Read Six Thinking Hats by Edward De Bono, 1985) It is a simple and effective system that increases productivity. There are six metaphorical hats and each defines a certain type of thinking. You can put on or take off one of these hats to indicate the type of thinking you are using. This putting on and taking off is essential, because it allows you to switch from one type of thinking to another. When done in a group, everybody should wear the same hat at the same time. The principle behind the 'Six Thinking Hats' is parallel thinking which ensures that all the people in a meeting are focused on and thinking about the same subject at the same time. In this system, thinking is divided into six categories with each category identified with its own coloured metaphorical 'thinking hat'. Organisations that use the 'Six Thinking Hats' system report that their teams are more productive and in general "happier and healthier". The Six Hats:
The White Hat: calls for information known or needed. "The facts, just the facts." The Yellow Hat: symbolizes brightness and optimism. You can explore the positives and probe for value and benefit The Black Hat: signifies caution and critical thinking - do not overuse! Why something may not work
The Green Hat: focuses on creativity, possibilities, alternatives and new ideas. It is an opportunity to express new concepts and new perceptions - lateral thinking could be used here
The Blue Hat: is used to manage the thinking process. It ensures that the 'Six Thinking Hats' guidelines are observed.
The Red Hat: signifies feelings, hunches and intuition - the place where emotions are placed without explanation
Sheets produced by Paul Foreman at www.inspiration.moonfruit.com
Edward de Bono’s 6 Thinking Hats ®
The white hat Calls for information known or needed – gathering just the facts The white hat covers facts, figures, data and
The notion of six thinking hats comes from Edward De Bono (Read Six Thinking Hats by Edward De Bono, 1985) It is a simple and effective system that increases productivity. There are six metaphorical hats and each defines a certain type of thinking. You can put on or take off one of these hats to indicate the type of thinking you are using. This putting on and taking off is essential, because it allows you to switch from one type of thinking to another. When done in a group, everybody should wear the same hat at the same time. The principle behind the 'Six Thinking Hats' is parallel thinking which ensures that all the people in a meeting are focused on and thinking about the same subject at the same time. In this system, thinking is divided into six categories with each category identified with its own coloured metaphorical 'thinking hat'. Organisations that use the 'Six Thinking Hats' system report that their teams are more productive and in general "happier and healthier". The Six Hats:
The White Hat: calls for information known or needed. "The facts, just the facts." The Yellow Hat: symbolizes brightness and optimism. You can explore the positives and probe for value and benefit The Black Hat: signifies caution and critical thinking - do not overuse! Why something may not work
The Green Hat: focuses on creativity, possibilities, alternatives and new ideas. It is an opportunity to express new concepts and new perceptions - lateral thinking could be used here
The Blue Hat: is used to manage the thinking process. It ensures that the 'Six Thinking Hats' guidelines are observed.
The Red Hat: signifies feelings, hunches and intuition - the place where emotions are placed without explanation
Sheets produced by Paul Foreman at www.inspiration.moonfruit.com
Edward de Bono’s 6 Thinking Hats ®
The white hat Calls for information known or needed – gathering just the facts The white hat covers facts, figures, data and