Six Thinking Hats Methodology (PDF)

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Six Thinking Hats Methodology
The Six Thinking Hats methodology, developed by Dr. Edward de Bono, is a powerful decision-making and problem-solving tool that encourages parallel thinking. It helps individuals and teams explore problems and opportunities from multiple perspectives, ensuring a structured and comprehensive approach. This technique is widely used in business, education, innovation, and strategic planning.

The method assigns different "hats" to various ways of thinking, ensuring that all aspects of a situation are considered. By focusing on one type of thinking at a time, it prevents confusion, reduces conflicts, and fosters a more systematic approach to decision-making.

The Six Hats and Their Functions
White Hat (Facts & Information)

This hat focuses on objective data, facts, and figures.
It encourages thinking based on available information, ensuring that decisions are fact-driven.
Questions to consider:
What data do we have?
What information is missing?
How can we get the missing information?
Red Hat (Emotions & Feelings)

This hat represents intuition, emotions, and gut reactions.
It allows individuals to express their feelings without justification.
Questions to consider:
How do people feel about this situation?
What are my instincts telling me?
Are there any emotional factors influencing the decision?
Black Hat (Caution & Risks)

This is the critical and risk-assessment hat.
It focuses on identifying potential pitfalls, risks, and weaknesses.
Questions to consider:
What could go wrong?
What are the weaknesses of this approach?
Are there any potential legal or financial risks?
Yellow Hat (Optimism & Benefits)

This hat encourages positive thinking and focuses on opportunities and benefits.
It helps balance the Black Hat by identifying why an idea could work well.
Questions to consider:
What are the advantages of this decision?
How can we maximize the benefits?
What are the best-case scenarios?
Green Hat (Creativity & Innovation)

This hat is used for creative thinking and generating new ideas.
It promotes brainstorming, innovation, and out-of-the-box solutions.
Questions to consider:
What are some alternative solutions?
How can we improve or modify this idea?
Can we think of a completely different approach?
Blue Hat (Process & Control)

This is the organizing and process-management hat.
It helps direct the discussion, maintain focus, and ensure logical progression.
Questions to consider:
What is the goal of this discussion?
What is the next step?
Are we following the right approach?

Source: Best Practices in Problem Solving, Structured Thinking PDF: Six Thinking Hats Methodology PDF (PDF) Document, g37549607