What is the color of your Hat ?

In the modern Business Premises, we work together as a team and the days of organizational hierarchy are gone. All the more decision making is also a team work, and decisions are made through brain storming involving all. The beauty and problem is that no two persons think alike. We have in the team Conformists, Rebels, Creative People, Members who think out of the Box, Mavericks, People with high Ego, Silent Members, and so on… Is it easy to take the Group ahead with so divergent members? Is collective thinking boon or bane? Will the group be benefitted with this? Is synergy developed?

Many tools have been developed in this line and one most effective tool is the Six Thinking Hats.

What is this tool?

Six Thinking Hats is a system designed by Edward de Bono which describes a tool for group discussion and individual thinking involving six colored hats. "Six Thinking Hats" provide a means for groups to plan thinking processes in a detailed and cohesive way, and in doing so to think together more effectively generating synergy and sense of involvement.

The idea behind the method is that the human brain thinks in a number of distinct ways which can be deliberately challenged, and hence used in a structured way allowing one to develop tactics for thinking about particular issues. De Bono identifies six distinct directions in which the brain can be challenged. In each of these directions the brain will identify and bring in certain aspects of issues being considered (e.g. gut instinct, pessimistic judgment, neutral facts). Since the hats do not represent natural modes of thinking, each hat must be used for a limited time only.  Six distinct directions are identified and assigned a color.

The six directions are

ü  Managing Blue – what is the subject? What are we thinking about? What is the goal? Can look at the big picture.

ü  Information White – considering purely what information is available, what are the facts?

ü  Emotions Red – intuitive or instinctive gut reactions or statements of emotional feeling

ü  Discernment Black – logic applied to identifying reasons to be cautious and conservative. Practical, realistic.

ü  Optimistic response Yellow – logic applied to identifying benefits, seeking harmony. Sees the brighter, sunny side of situations.

ü  Creativity Green – statements of provocation and investigation, seeing where a thought goes. Thinks creatively, outside the box.

Colored hats are used as metaphors for each direction. Switching to a direction is symbolized by the act of putting on a colored hat, either literally or metaphorically. These metaphors allow for a more complete and elaborate segregation of the thinking directions. The six thinking hats indicate problems and solutions about an idea the thinker may come up with.

Strategies and procedures

Having identified the six modes of thinking that can be accessed, distinct procedures are created. These are sequences of hats which encompass and structure the thinking process toward a distinct goal. Sequences always begin and end with a blue hat; the group agrees together how they will think, then they do the thinking, then they evaluate the outcomes of that thinking and what they should do next. Sequences (and indeed hats) may be used by individuals working alone or in groups.

Initial Ideas – Blue, White, Green, Blue

Choosing between alternatives – Blue, White,(Green), Yellow, Black, Red, Blue

Identifying Solutions – Blue, White, Black, Green, Blue

Quick Feedback – Blue, Black, Green, Blue

Strategic Planning – Blue, Yellow, Black, White, Blue, Green, Blue

Process Improvement – Blue, White, White (Other peoples views), Yellow, Black, Green, Red, Blue

Solving Problems – Blue, White, Green, Red, Yellow, Black, Green, Blue

Performance Review – Blue, Red, White, Yellow, Black, Green Red, Blue

Typically, a project will begin with an extended white hat action, as facts are assembled. Thereafter each hat is used for a few minutes at a time only, except the red hat which is limited to a very short 30 seconds or so De Bono believed that the key to a successful use of the Six Thinking Hats methodology was the deliberate focusing of the discussion on a particular approach as needed during the meeting or collaboration session. The Six Thinking Hats method could then be used in a sequence to first explore the problem, and then develop a set of solutions, and to finally choose a solution through critical examination of the solution set.

Methodology

The meeting may start with everyone assuming the Blue hat to discuss how the meeting will be conducted and to develop the goals and objectives. The discussion may then move to Red hat thinking in order to collect opinions and reactions to the problem. This phase may also be used to develop constraints for the actual solution such as who will be affected by the problem and/or solutions. Next the discussion may move to the (Yellow then) Green hat in order to generate ideas and possible solutions. Next the discussion may move between White hat thinking as part of developing information and Black hat thinking to develop criticisms of the solution set.

Because everyone is focused on a particular approach at any one time, the group tends to be more collaborative than if one person is reacting emotionally (Red hat) while another person is trying to be objective (White hat) and still another person is being critical of the points which emerge from the discussion (Black hat). The hats aid individuals in addressing problems from a variety of angles, and focus individuals on deficiencies in the way that they approach problem solving.

 

Does Every Problem Serve a Purpose?

When life unexpectedly throws you a curve ball, things can get overwhelming and ridiculously frustrating very quickly. If you’re unable to deal with these challenges, this puts you at a clear disadvantage and sabotages your growth and development. And, this is precisely where most people struggle. They’re just ill-prepared for the adversity that life throws their way. However, irrespective of the problems you face, your issues do actually serve a purpose. That purpose might not be immediately evident, but it’s certainly there. Every problem you experience has a purpose. That purpose can come in the form of an opportunity. For instance, an opportunity for growth, for improving efficiency, for learning from a mistake, for expanding your perspective, etc. Problems are typically opportunities that can help improve how you think about your life, yourself, and about your circumstances. They can serve to optimize how you work and live in remarkable ways. However, you need to first embrace these problems with an open heart and mind.

It has been said, that it’s not what happens to us that matters, it’s rather how we respond to what happens that makes all the difference.

The Managerial Blue Hat Thinker

An effective problem solver has to have a method for directing their thoughts in proactive ways. Moreover, they must understand how to guide each of their thoughts in a neutral and unbiased manner with the primary intention of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the process.

 

The Role of the Blue Hat

The metaphorical role of the blue hat is the Movie Director. A movie director manages actors, cameramen, shooting angles, props, and scripts that are critical for creating a successful blockbuster movie experience. In the same way, a blue hat manages the thinking process — allowing for better synergy between the thought patterns and habits of the other thinking hats. The roles the blue hat typically plays:

• To think about thinking.
• To define the problem.
• To gather global perspectives about the problem and the solution.
• To manage the other thinking hats.
• To manage time.
• To manage the flow of ideas.
• To manage the implementation of ideas.

 

The Objectives of the Blue Hat

Throughout the problem-solving process, the blue hat has a set of predefined objectives that it seeks to accomplish. By successfully attaining these goals, it is better able to synchronize its habitual thought patterns with the other thinking hats. This subsequently leads to a more efficient and effective process of thinking that brings to light a greater array of solutions and opportunities. These objectives include:

• Improving efficiency and effectiveness of the thinking process.
• Formulating suitable questions to help direct thinking.
• Outlining an agenda, rules, goals, and tasks for problem-solving.
• Organizing ideas and drawing up plans for action.

Blue Hat Questions

What problem am I facing?

How can I best define this problem?

What is my goal and outcome?

What do I seek to achieve by solving this problem?

What is the most effective method of proceeding from this position?

How can I best organize and arrange my thinking to help move me beyond my present circumstances?

The Neutral White Hat Thinker

An effective problem solver needs a means of collecting, collating, organizing, and presenting information in a neutral and unbiased way. Moreover, they must have a method for reaching effective logical solutions based on the data they have collected.

The Role of the White Hat

The metaphorical role of the white hat is The Detective. A detective searches for clues, for evidence, and for facts that help them solve a case. They openly acknowledge that a piece of evidence can be misleading. They, therefore, maintain a neutral stance and don’t jump to quick conclusions. They, instead wait for all the facts to be presented before reaching a conclusion. In precisely the same way, a white hat collects facts, stats, and data that help it piece together the information it needs to reach logical fact-based solutions. That’s essentially its primary role. It collects this evidence to help the other thinking hats work through the problem more effectively. The white hat must, however, avoid making conclusions or judgments about the information it has collected. Jumping to conclusions or making unjustified assumption could potentially derail the problem-solving process.

 

The Objectives of the White Hat

 Throughout the problem-solving process, the white hat has a set of predefined objectives that it seeks to accomplish. By successfully attaining these goals, it’s better able to synchronize its habitual thought patterns with the other thinking hats. This subsequently leads to a more efficient and effective process of thinking that brings to light a greater array of solutions and opportunities. These objectives include:

• Bringing forward stats, facts, and data that can be used to solve the problem.
• Prioritizing facts over opinions and beliefs.
• Highlighting gaps in knowledge, perspective, and awareness.
• Bringing forth logical solutions to the problem at hand.

White Hat Questions

What do I know about this problem?

What don’t I know about this problem?

What can I learn from this problem?

What more would I like to learn about this problem?

How will I go about acquiring the facts, stats and data that will help me resolve this problem?

What potential solutions exist based on the facts, stats, and data I have collected?

The Intuitive Red Hat Thinker

An effective problem solver needs a means of intuitively making sense of each problem and the possible solutions that could arise. Moreover, they must have a method for adequately filtering out any preconceived biases that may sway their intuitive feelings and opinions.

The Role of the Red Hat

The metaphorical role of the red hat is The Heart. A heart is a very intuitive organ that senses subtle changes in feeling and emotion when circumstances change. In precisely the same way, a red hat brings to light its intuitive feelings and opinions to help guide the problem-solving process. That’s essentially its primary role. It intuitively presents effective solutions and direction for further action based on its personal feelings and hunches.

The red hat must, however, avoid rationalizing or trying to justify its feelings. There is no logic here. It must primarily follow its gut instinct.

The Objectives of the Red Hat

Throughout the problem-solving process, the red hat has a set of predefined objectives that it seeks to accomplish. By successfully attaining these goals, it’s better able to synchronize its habitual thought patterns with the other thinking hats. This subsequently leads to a more efficient and effective process of thinking that brings to light a greater array of solutions and opportunities. These objectives include:

• Bringing to light intuitive insights.
• Seeking out other people’s feelings and hunches.
• Exploring the emotional point of view.
• Revealing hidden strengths behind ideas.
• Identifying weaknesses based on hunches.
• Uncovering hidden internal conflicts.

Red Hat Questions

What is my gut telling me about this solution?

What are my feelings telling me about the choice I am about to make?

Based on my feelings, is there a better way to go about this?

Intuitively, is this the right solution to this problem?

The Pessimistic Black Hat Thinker

An effective problem solver needs a means of proactively identifying the pitfalls, dangers, and flaws of possible solutions. Moreover, they must have a method of presenting this information in an unemotional and detached manner that isn’t riddled with preconceived ideas or biases.

The Role of the Black Hat

The metaphorical role of the black hat is The Reaper. A Reaper is a mythical creature who brings death and destruction to the living. The Reaper isn’t necessarily good or evil. Yes, its nature is dark and gloomy, however, as with everything in life, it has a purpose and plays a critical role in the cycle of life. In precisely the same way a black hat is pessimistic and gloomy in nature. It always seeking to pinpoint holes, flaws, weaknesses, and dangers in ideas. It doesn’t do this to be spiteful or destructive, but rather to bring to mind worst-case scenarios that may not have been considered. Sharing these grim scenarios helps the other hats put in place suitable contingency plans to overcome likely problems. The black hat’s primary role is to evaluate, judge, caution, and scrutinize the solutions and plans that have been brought forth by the other thinking hats. The black hat must, however, avoid bringing to mind personal biases that are tinged with fear, jealousy, anger or any other harmful emotions that may impede a solution or magnify the problem.

The Objectives of the Black Hat

Throughout the problem-solving process, the black hat has a set of predefined objectives that it seeks to accomplish. By successfully attaining these goals, it is better able to synchronize its habitual thought patterns with the other thinking hats. This subsequently leads to a more efficient and effective process of thinking that brings to light a greater array of solutions and opportunities. These objectives include:

• Bringing to light possible flaws and dangers.
• Highlighting inadequate resources.
• Eliminating weaknesses and bad ideas.
• Questioning inadequate contingency plans.

Black Hat Questions

What is the fatal flaw in this idea?

What is the drawback to this way of thinking?

How many ways is this likely to fail?

What are the potential risks and consequences associated with this?

Do I have the necessary resources, skills, and support to pull this off?

The Optimistic Yellow Hat Thinker

An effective problem solver needs a means of realistically analyzing problems and bringing to light promising ideas that can help inspire effective solutions. Moreover, they need to cultivate a resilient mindset that inspires proactive action in the face of criticism and adversity. In this section, let’s discuss each of the characteristics and attributes that give birth to the Yellow Thinking Hat. Let’s delve into the roles, goals, and objectives of a yellow hat thinker. We will then conclude with a set of questions that will encourage you to think through your problems more optimistically and favorably.

The Role of the Yellow Hat

The metaphorical role of the yellow hat is The Sun. A sun is bright, happy, and powerful. It helps give life to everything it touches. In exactly the same way, a yellow hat brings forth a positive, welcoming, and radiant energy that breathe life into every idea. The yellow hat seeks to infuse positive ideas into the problem-solving process that enhances motivation and opens doors to new opportunities and understandings. The primary role of the yellow hat is to move through the myriad of obstacles to a solution in a realistic and positive way. The yellow hat sees no boundaries or limitations and wholeheartedly believes that if there is a means, then they will find a way. The yellow hat must, however, avoid getting caught up in pessimistic thoughts. They must also avoid bringing to mind hopeful solutions based on hypothetical facts, feelings, and opinions.

The Objectives of the Yellow Hat

Throughout the problem-solving process, the yellow hat has a set of predefined objectives that it seeks to accomplish. By successfully attaining these goals, it’s better able to synchronize its habitual thought patterns with the other thinking hats. This subsequently leads to a more efficientand effective process of thinking that brings to light a greater array of solutions and opportunities. These objectives include:

• Exploring benefits of each scenario that is presented.
• Seeking out potential opportunities that might exist.
• Making a positive risk-assessment.
• Assessing the feasibility of ideas.
• Infusing the problem-solving process with positive energy.

Yellow Hat Questions

How can I best approach this problem?

How can I logically and realistically make this work?

What positive outcomes could result from this action?

What are the long-term benefits of this action?

The Creative Green Hat Thinker

An effective problem solver needs a means of processing problems in an open, flexible, and unconstrained way. Moreover, they must become a possibility thinker who persistently thinks outside the box and bends the rules of problem-solving. Furthermore, they must do this free from judgment and self-criticism. In this section, let’s discuss each of the characteristics and attributes that give birth to the Green Thinking Hat. Let’s delve into the roles, goals, and objectives of a green hat thinker. We will then conclude with a set of questions that will encourage you to think through your problems in creative ways.

The Role of the Green Hat

The metaphorical role of the green hat is The Seedling. A seedling sprouts from the ground and grows persistently over time. It expands its leaves and branches in many unexpected directions. In exactly the same way, a green hat instills an ever-growing and expanding sense of unpredictability into the thought process. The green hat isn’t one to be controlled by rules or limitations. It knows and understands that it’s free to think beyond the norms and boundaries of reality. With this in mind, it brings forth a myriad of creative and mind-bending ideas that expand the possibilities and bring to light unique and seemingly unexpected solutions. The primary role of the green hat is to open the doors to unique creative ideas and perspectives that shatter the boundaries of reality and unlock new understandings and opportunities. The green hat must, however, avoid criticizing or judging the ideas that it brings to mind.

The Objectives of the Green Hat

Throughout the problem-solving process, the green hat has a set of predefined objectives that it seeks to accomplish. By successfully attaining these goals, it’s better able to synchronize its habitual thought patterns with the other thinking hats. This subsequently leads to a more efficient and effective process of thinking that brings to light a greater array of solutions and opportunities. These objectives include:

• Expanding thinking and awareness of ideas and potential solutions.
• Thinking outside the box and bending conventional rules and practices.
• Providing creative ideas and solutions.
• Installing new perspectives through creative insights and ideas.

Green Hat Questions

What alternative possibilities could exist here?

Could this be done in a different way?

How can I look at this problem from a unique perspective?

How can I think outside the box about this?

What if…?

How to Use the Six Thinking Hats

In a group brainstorming, people with traits synchronizing with the colour of the hat can be grouped together and encouraged to thing in line with the questions assigned to the hat as above and extract the required information. After sitting together of all the groups, decision can be taken consentuously.

After understanding the Six Thinking Hat’s problem-solving process, let us briefly point out how these hats work together to help us formulate effective solutions and new ideas. Okay, so, the process begins when the managerial blue hat (Director) allocates thinking time to each of the six hats, including itself. Often the order of thinking would progress in the following way:

1.      The blue hat defines and outlines the problem under question. It then guides the other thinking hats through the thinking process.

2.      The white hat collects all the facts, data, and statistics related to the problem. It then uses this information to settle on several logical solutions to the problem.

3.      The red hat intuitively reflects on the solutions. Then, based on its hunches, it selects the best course of action moving forward.

4.      The black hat quickly pinpointing holes, dangers, flaws, and limitations of the proposed plans.

5.      The yellow hat now challenges the black hat’s pessimism by bringing to light logical ideas and contingency plans that help circumnavigate these dangers.

6.      The green hat then takes these ideas and enhances them using its out-of-the-box thinking mentality.

7.      After all the thinking hats have had their say, the blue hat continues to transition between the hats in a logical order. It may, for instance, ask the red hat for its intuitive insights about the green hat’s ideas. Or, it may ask the white hat to gather more facts and information about the dangers that the black hat brought to light. After which, it may ask the yellow hat to bring forth some logical solutions to the problem at hand.

No matter how the blue hat decides to orchestrate the thinking process, it’s always seeking to obtain a global perspective and understanding of the problem. Its objective is to bring to light an ideal solution to the problem. Staying presently aware of this objective will help you cycle through the Six Thinking Hats problem-solving process far more effectively.

Concluding thoughts

The Six Thinking Hat’s problem-solving method provides us with a multi-dimensional tool that can dramatically improve the effectiveness and efficiency of how we think and work through problems. However, its use goes well beyond just problem-solving. Whether your objective is to solve a problem, to overcome an obstacle, to brainstorm a new idea, to improve your decision-making or for academic purposes, the Six Thinking Hats will help you find the solutions, answers, and the opportunities you need to keep you ahead of the game. Now the choice is we can either just leave our hats hanging on the coat-hanger collecting dust, or we can consistently and persistently use them to improve the quality of our life.

Often, the best decisions come from changing the way that we think about problems, and examining them from different viewpoints. "Six Thinking Hats" can help us to look at problems from different perspectives, but one at a time, to avoid confusion from too many angles crowding our thinking. It's also a powerful decision-checking technique in group situations, as everyone explores the situation from each perspective at the same time. It forces us to move outside our habitual thinking style, and to look at things from a number of different perspectives. This allows us to get a more rounded view of our situation. We can reach a successful solution or outcome from a rational, positive viewpoint, but it can also pay to consider a problem from other angles. For example, we can look at it from an emotional, intuitive, creative or risk management viewpoint. Not considering these perspectives could lead us to underestimate people's resistance to our plans, fail to make creative leaps, or ignore the need for essential contingency plans.

Is it possible to apply this in day to day issues like buying a new car, fixing a house or select a particular school for our children?

Just Try and feel the difference !!!