a thinking tool for group discussion and individual thinking. Combined with the idea of parallel thinking which is associated with it, it provides a means for groups to think together more effectively, and a means to plan thinking processes in a detailed and cohesive way. The method is attributed to Dr. Edward de Bono and is the subject of his book, Six Thinking Hats.

1. 6de Bono Hats Thinking Tool

2. Big Ideasdo not happenin meetings

3. Edward de Bono The de Bono Hats system is a thinking tool for group discussion and individual thinking. Combined with the idea of parallel thinking which is associated with it, it provides a means for groups to think together more effectively, and a means to plan thinking processes in a detailed and cohesive way.

4. How it works? To use Six Thinking Hats to improve the quality of your decision-making, look at the issue as a group "wearing" each of the Thinking Hats in turn. Each "Thinking Hat" is a different mode of thinking. Start from Blue, End with Blue.

5. Blue hat The Big Picture 2 minutes. Thinking about thinking. Organization issues. Ex: We'll follow this program of thinkingto start the day - does everyone agree?

6. White hat Questions 2 minutes. Facts and Available information Ex: Energy efficiency legislation is expectedto impact our ability to run our businessin the next five years

7. Red hat Emotions 30 seconds. Feelings, gut instincts. No justification Ex: I'd like to do that but I feel uncertain about it

8. Black hat Critical Judgement 2 minutes. Risks. Barriers. Negative connotations. Ex: We might not be able to make it cheaply enough

9. Yellow hat Positive 2 minutes. Benefits of an idea or issue Ex: That would reduce the environmental impact of our activities

10. Green hat New Ideas 2 minutes. Provoking thoughts Ex: What if we deliver this for free?

11. Programs Having identified the six states that can be accessed, distinct programs can be created, these are sequences of hats which encompass and structure the thinking process toward a distinct goal

12. Programs Ex: Initial Discussion Ex: Strategic Planning

14. Awareness about multiple perspectives on the issue at hand

15. Convenient mechanism for 'switching gears'

16. Rules for the game of thinking

17. Focus thinking

18. Lead to more creative thinking

19. Improve communication