Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono

1. Six Thinking Hatsby Edward de Bono Mackenzie Parrish

2. 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

3. 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

4. TheSix Thinking Hats

5. 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.”

6. 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.”

7. 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.”

8. 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

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