Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono Mackenzie Parrish

Dr. Edward de Bono He has written 76 books and lectured in 58 countries Methods are mandatory on the school curriculum in some countries Coined the term lateral thinking

Purpose of the Six Thinking Hats Prevents confusion when thinking Corresponds to the different colors used in printing a map—think of it as mapmaking Focuses on deliberate thinking

Black Thinking Hat Negative, but not emotional Never an argument Challenge of figures and reports “I have this negative view it is up to you to convince me that I am wrong.”

Yellow Thinking Hat Positive Not the same as red hat thinking— should find support and reasoning Uses constructive thinking “Failing that examination was the best thing that could have ever happened to her. She would not have been happy as a teacher.”

Green Thinking Hat Creativity Look for new or different alternatives Lateral thinking—switching patterns Movement and Provocation “Under the protection of the green hat, I want to suggest that we fire the sales force.”

If you want to use the Six Thinking Hats method remember… Always allow a switch in thinking What color hat you are wearing does not define you as a person—you are only “roleplaying” The “wearing” of the hats provides a convenience for requesting a certain type of thinking either of oneself or others The hats establish rules for the game of thinking

“…At this point I want to make a yellow hat remark. Try it out yourself!” -Edward de Bono