The goal of the Six Thinking Hats method is to improve group problem-solving by encouraging participants to look at a problem from multiple perspectives.

The Six Thinking Hats method was developed by Edward de Bono as a tool for group discussion and individual thinking. It is based on the concept of parallel thinking, where participants explore a problem from multiple angles in a structured manner. This method helps in segregating different types of thinking to avoid confusion and enhance the effectiveness of problem-solving processes.

Trough different collors, participants can direct their thinking and discussion in a more organized way, ensuring that all perspectives are considered. This approach prevents the dominance of a single type of thinking and encourages a holistic view of the problem, leading to more effective and innovative solutions.

Each color represents a specific type of thinking:

1. WHITE HAT: Focuses on the facts and information available.
2. RED HAT: Shares feelings, emotions, and intuitions.
3. BLACK HAT: Discusses potential problems and critical judgment.
4. YELLOW HAT: Looks at the positive aspects and benefits.
5. GREEN HAT: Generates creative ideas and alternatives.
6. BLUE HAT: Manages the thinking process and summarizes the discussion.

Explain the concept of the Six Thinking Hats and what each color represents.

Divide participants into groups of 6, if possible. If there are more participants, ensure that each group has a balanced representation of the six hats.

Assign each participant in the group a different colored hat or card. Explain that they will be thinking and contributing from the perspective of their assigned hat.

Present the first problem or topic to be discussed. Ensure that it is clear and well-defined.

Begin the discussion. Use a timer to allocate a specific amount of time (e.g., 5 minutes) for each hat. Rotate through all six hats, ensuring that each type of thinking is addressed.

After all hats have been discussed for the first problem, ask the Blue Hats to summarize the findings and conclusions. The Blue Hats participants should lead this part of the discussion, ensuring that all perspectives are integrated.

Assign new hats to each participant to ensure they experience different perspectives. Present a new problem or topic for discussion. Repeat the process, allowing participants to rotate through the different hats.

Continue the process for additional rounds, introducing new problems and reassigning hats each time to give participants the opportunity to engage in various roles.

Facilitate a group discussion to reflect on the process and the insights gained from using the Six Thinking Hats method.

• Encourage participants to fully engage with the perspective of their assigned hat, even if it is different from their usual way of thinking.
• Remind participants that there are no right or wrong contributions; the goal is to explore all aspects of the problem.
• Use a whiteboard or flipchart to capture key points from each hat’s perspective during the discussion.
• Consider using the Six Thinking Hats method for various topics or problems to demonstrate its versatility and effectiveness.

No files available