Thinking Hats

Thinking is a natural process for human beings. We think that we think, but many times we don't think when it is required. Just having thoughts is not thinking. Thinking is a process, it requires effort and it results in some action.

To aid in thinking process Edward de Bono has designed a framework, it is called 'Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats'. These hats are imaginary; they are used to aid the thinking in one direction.

When it is used in groups, everyone wears the same hat then they will be thinking in the same direction in parallel.

The White Hat – The white hat indicates exclusive focus on information. Information like what is available, missing, required etc.

The Red Hat  - The red hat allows the free expression of feeling, intuition, hunches and emotions without apology and without explanation. The red hat asks the person to express the feeling at that point of time.

The Black Hat – The black hat is used for critical thinking. It is for caution and stops us doing things which are dangerous, damaging and unworkable. It is very useful but should not be overused in the name of being critical.

The Yellow Hat- The Yellow hat is logical positive hat. Under this hat one seeks the values and benefits. When the thinker is wearing this hat he looks to see how the idea can be made workable and put into practice.

The Green Hat – The Green hat is a creative hat, under the green hat the thinker looks at alternatives. It is action oriented and opens up new possibilities.

The Blue Hat -  The Blue hat is control hat, it is concerned with the management of the thinking process. It takes care of defining the problem and what is being thought about. "Thinking about what?"

There is no fixed sequence for using the hats, one best practice is to start with blue and end with blue and use the other hats in between.

This is a very brief overview of the Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats.

 Now the next step is observing how many times you think and how many times you are just having thoughts.  Then look at the various ideas which are not yet implemented (or problems not solved).

Start thinking about them using six hats. Go through the thinking process.  At the end you will have some action items and get into action without wasting your time.

Six hats is a tool that you can use.

The actions will you give you what you want, not just your ideas.  But what "Actions" you have to take will come from your Thinking!.