Parallel thinking is a process that helps us sort through lifes issues in a highly effective way.
The six thinking hats by Edward DeBono is the most effective process developed to date.
Six Thinking Hats® is a simple, effective parallel thinking process that helps people be more productive, focused, and mindfully involved. And once learned, the tools can be applied immediately!
You and your family, friends, partner or team members can learn how to separate thinking into six clear functions and roles. Each thinking role is identified with a colored symbolic "thinking hat." By mentally wearing and switching "hats," you can easily focus, sort through issues, or redirect thoughts, the conversation, or the meeting. Once you learn to use ALL HATS, you will not only realise how narrow your old thinking was, you will open doors you never knew where there in your creative and problem solving thinking process.
It can be fun to put a problem on the family table and get the kids to take-part in the thinking process to solve it, each person can where a "HAT" or two, depending on how many involved, this also works wonders with the board room meetings!
The WHITE Hat calls for information known or needed. "The facts, just the facts."
Summary of White Hat Thinking- Facts
- Information and data
- Neutral and objective
- What do I know?
- What do I need to find out?
- How will I get the information I need?
The YELLOW Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism. Under this hat you explore the positives and probe for value and benefit.
Summary of Yellow Hat Thinking- Benefits
- Positives, plus points
- Logical reasons are given.
- Why an idea is useful
The BLACK Hat is judgment - the devil's advocate or why something may not work. Spot the difficulties and dangers; where things might go wrong. Probably the most powerful and useful of the Hats but a problem if overused.
Summary of Black Hat Thinking - Cautions
TheRED Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition. When using this hat you can express emotions and feelings and share fears, likes, dislikes, loves, and hates.
Summary of Red Hat Thinking - Feelings
- Intuition, hunches, gut instinct
- My feelings right now.
- Feelings can change.
- No reasons are given.
The GREEN Hat focuses on creativity; the possibilities, alternatives, and new ideas. It's an opportunity to express new concepts and new perceptions.
Summary of Green Hat Thinking - Creativity
- Ideas, alternative, possibilities
- Provocation - "PO"
- Solutions to black hat problems
The BLUE Hat is used to manage the thinking process. It's the control mechanism that ensures the Six Thinking Hats® guidelines are observed.
Summary of Blue Hat Thinking- Process
- Thinking about thinking
- What thinking is needed?
- Organizing the thinking
- Planning for action
