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Using the Six Thinking Hats

The following are exerpts from the Chapter 3 of the book Six Thinking Hats by Edward De Bono

Single Use

  • The hats are used as symbols to request a particular type of thinking.

Sequence Use

  • Any hat can be used as often as you like.

  • There is no need to use every hat.
    • The sequence may be up to two, three, four or more hats. Evolving Sequence – the first hat is chosen, once the first hat is complete, the next hat is chosen (not recommended for beginners).
    • Preset Sequence – the hats are set up at the beginning as part of the initial blue hat.

Discipline

  • Members of the group must stay with the hat that is indicated at the moment. The hats indicate the direction in which to think.

Timing

  • The author suggests allowing one minute for each of the people participating. If genuine ideas are still being put forth after that time, time may be extended.
  • It is much better to set a short time and to extend it rather than set a long time and have people sitting around wondering what to say.
  • The timing for the red hat is different because it shouldn’t include explanations or qualifications.

Guidelines

  • There is not right sequence to follow. Any sequence that makes sense to you will work.

  • A blue hat should always be used both at the beginning and at the end of the session.

Group the Individual

  • The Six Hats provides a framework that is much more effective than argument when working in groups.

  • The hats provide a sequenced framework that reduces confusion and ensures all aspects are covered when doing individual thinking.

Individuals in Groups

  • Individual thinking may be encouraged even when working in groups. This provides more time for people to think and come up with more ideas.