The Six Thinking Hats

Group 2 Course : Management of Technology Asian School of Business Management

Introduction
The six thinking hats method implies for a change

in the human thinking process Thinking is the ultimate human resource The main difficulty of thinking is confusion. When we think we try to do too many things at once : emotions, information, logic, hope and creativity The six thinking hats method tries to simplify the thinking process.

Brain and its working

Sensitization is a key part of how the brain works

and why it is so efficient It is not possible to be sensitized in different directions at the same time. The six thinking hats method allows the brain to maximize its sensitivity in different directions at different times. When thinking is clear and simple it is more enjoyable and effective.

Argument versus Parallel Thinking

Socrates put great emphasis on dialectic and

argument. The outcome in most of the cases was to point out what was wrong. The western thinking, influenced by the Greek philosophers, is governed by judgement, analysis and argument. Argument: It may often be that in case of an argument both the parties may be right but are looking at different aspects of the same situation. Sometimes purpose is to win and not to explore the subject fully. Example: Bt brinjal Judgement: In case of judgement, we create standard situation boxes . Every time we encounter a new situation we try to put and label it into different boxes. Any information which does not fit is

Parallel thinking
In parallel thinking, when done in a group,

members try to look into the matter from the same perspective at the same time. This allows for the subject to be fully explored. The six thinking hats method provides direction to look into the subject from a particular perspective. In many cultures (Japanese), argument is taken as an insult and as such discouraged. The six thinking hats method provides for a better alternative. Parallel thinking also facilitates the use of different faculties of brain.

The Six thinking hats

The White hat

White or absence of color signifies neutrality.

It provides the opportunity to put forward the facts

and figures in a neutral and objective manner. It does not offer interpretation and opinion. Information may be either hard and fast facts or facts that are believed to be true. White hat thinking is devoid of any interpretation of the facts as such it minimizes the chances of coloring the facts to suit ones own point.

The Red hat

It is generally believed that good decision makers

are not emotional. Emotions are believed to be obstacles in the rational thought process. But if emotions are not permitted they affect thinking in a hidden way. Red hat thinking includes hunches, intuitions and impressions. Red hat thinking does not need justification. Judgement can also be done under red hat thinking.

The Black hat

Black hat is the hat of caution.

Black hat thinking helps in pointing out the

problems and difficulties. It provides the logical basis for criticism. It questions the strength of the evidence and advocates the look out for different conclusions. Black hat thinking also helps to weigh the risks involved. Black hat thinking is the basis for long time survival and sustainability.

The yellow hat

Yellow symbolizes sunshine and optimism.

Yellow hat thinking is positive and constructive.

It is concerned with positive assessment. Yellow hat thinking can be speculative and

opportunity seeking. Proposals can also be made under the yellow hat thinking. Yellow hat thinking can also be used to supplement the ideas generated by the green hat thinking.

The green hat

Green hat is the creative hat. It signifies growth, out of the box thinking and new

idea generation. Green hat may also be used to put forward ideas to overcome the difficulties suggested by the black hat thinking. Creativity involves provocation, exploration and risk taking. It advocates the use of lateral thinking. Its role is to jerk thinking out of current patterns. It provides a different starting point. Green hat thinking also suggests to look out for better solutions.

The Blue hat

Blue hat signifies the blue sky. It above everything

else. It provides overview. The blue hat is for management of thinking. It lays out the purpose of thinking. The blue hat is also used for the control of other hats. Blue hat enables focus. It defines the problem and facilitates direction & the step by step exploration of the subject. It is also used to summarize and conclude the session. It also facilitates discipline.

Benefits of the six thinking hats

Six thinking hats facilitates the full exploration of

the subject. As such in the end the decision seems to come out itself. It creates focus and avoids conflicts. It can be less time consuming if practiced properly. The Six thinking hats concept is simple to understand and use. It facilitates logical reasoning, creativity, critical thinking, constructive thinking, emotional judgement but without one aspect blocking other one out.