Six Thinking Hats System by Edward de Bono
The 6 Thinking Hats allow us to think more effectively, creatively, and critically.
Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats System is a unique way of looking at problems, decisions, and stories from multiple perspectives. Each "hat" represents a different mode of thinking, helping us approach situations with greater creativity, objectivity, and clarity.
White Hat: The Facts
When we put on the White Hat, we focus solely on facts. This is where we step back from opinions and emotions, looking at the objective information presented in the story or situation. So the facts that are presented in a story are objective here.
Yellow Hat: The Positive
With the Yellow Hat, we take an optimistic approach. This hat encourages us to focus on the positive aspects of the story or issue at hand. It helps us identify opportunities, strengths, and benefits.
Black Hat: The Critical
The Black Hat is where we turn into pessimists, critically analyzing the weaknesses and potential risks. This mode of thinking is essential for highlighting flaws, weak points, or barriers that may have been overlooked.
Red Hat: The Emotional
The Red Hat allows us to tap into our emotions and gut feelings about the story or situation. This hat emphasizes how we feel, it might be intuition, a strong emotional reaction, or even subconscious thoughts.
Green Hat: The Creative
The Green Hat represents creativity and innovation. It is all about generating new ideas, possibilities, and solutions. This hat encourages us to think outside the box, come up with alternative approaches, and bring fresh perspectives to the table.
Blue Hat: The Control
The Blue Hat is the one that controls the thinking process itself. When we wear this hat, we focus on organization, guiding the direction of our thoughts. It is about overseeing the whole process, making sure each hat is used at the right time and that we stay on track.