© 2009 IBM Corporation

Six Thinking Hats® - Quick View

Christer EdmanAdvisory Project Manager – ThinkPlace Innovation Catalyst

17 February 2010

© 2009 IBM Corporation

Global Business Services

2 Six Thinking Hats® created by Edward de BonoApr 11, 2023

Six Thinking Hats®

Six Thinking Hats – Parallel Thinking created by Edward de Bono* can be used for internal or external meetings during e.g. a sales process or for problem solving.

Unnecessary time is often spent on meetings when participants are occupied with thoughts in opposite directions instead of listening. If we structure our thinking and value others there will be no delays and conflicts.

An example: You have decided to implement a new ERP system. This is a big change and the personnel will have different opinions based on facts and feelings. Some don't like any changes at all while others looking forward to new opportunities.

Six Hats helps all participants to think in one direction during a certain period and everybody are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment. If the personnel are engaged and listened to in the creative process will all benefit.

The hats are colored and symbolic to direct and help to keep focus on our thinking. New thinking demands repetition and curage to challenge ourselves. A consequent usage of

the method is a pre-requisite for a successful result.

*Professor Edward de Bono is a leading authority on creative thinking, innovation and the direct teaching of thinking as a skill. Education Commissioner Jan Figeľ' recently appointed him as ambassador for the European Year of Creativity and Innovation 2009.”

© 2009 IBM Corporation

Global Business Services

3 Six Thinking Hats® created by Edward de BonoApr 11, 2023

Six Thinking Hats®

Blue Hat - management and control ... (think of the blue sky). Chairman Hat which also determines the hat sequence and duration of each hat to be used. Time out if necessary can also be used for deciding on next steps...

White Hat - fact or need of ... (think of it as a white paper). What do we know or need more information to be able to continue?

Green Hat - creative ideas and options ... (think of it as growing grass). Wish how you want it, remove whatever you want, provoke with random words, images, and opposite thinking ... Focus on concept! (Lateral Thinking)

Yellow Hat - logical positive, benefits and opportunities ... (think of it as the sun). Very good because of... or have a good chance because of...

Black Hat - logical negative, risks... (think of darkness / cleansing rain). There is a risk or problem because of...

Red Hat - Intuition and feelings ... (think of the heart / stomach). Feels: uncertain, exciting, frightening, confused, frustrated, promising...

Approx. 30 sec-5 min. for each hat, when all wear the same hat (parallel thinking)

© 2009 IBM Corporation

Global Business Services

4 Six Thinking Hats® created by Edward de BonoApr 11, 2023

Thank you!!

"Imagination is more important than

knowledge." E ins te in about c reativ ity .

"Almost a ll o f the problems o f mankind

arise from the inability to be a lone w ith onese lf in a room for any period o f time." B la ise Pasca l