Dr. Edward de Bono developed the Six Thinking Hats method to encourage parallel thinking over adversarial thinking. The Six Hats method involves assigning different colored hats to represent six types of thinking: white for facts, red for emotions, black for caution, yellow for positive aspects, green for creative alternatives, and blue for process control. When used in group discussions, the Six Hats method has participants focus their thinking in the same direction at once to avoid ego-driven arguments and instead take a collaborative, constructive approach to problem solving.

2. Dr Edward de Bono
• M.D., Ph.D., (philosophy, medicine & psychology),
Rhodes scholar
• World-renowned consultant to business,
governments, schools and industry
• Author of 62 books in 40 languages
• Originator of Six Thinking Hats, Lateral Thinking
and Direct Attention Thinking Tools

4. Traditional Approach
• In an argument often both sides are right, but looking at different aspects of the
situation.
• Each side seeks to prove that the other side is wrong.
• It completely lacks a constructive, creative or design element
Argument or Adversarial
Thinking
a b

5. Traditional Approach
• Argumentative or Adversarial Thinking:
• In an argument often both sides are right, but looking at
different aspects of the situation.
• Each side seeks to prove that the other side is wrong.
• It completely lacks a constructive, creative or design element

6. Parallel Thinking
At any moment everyone is looking in the same direction.
It is co-operative , co-ordinate, constructive thinking.
A simple and practical way of carrying out ‘Parallel Thinking' is the Six Hats
method
b
a
b

7. Advantage of Parallel thinking
Parallel Thinking is unbundle, constructive, creative Thinking.
Parallel Thinking is co-operative exploration .
Parallel Thinking separates Ego & Performance.
Parallel Thinking provides switching modes.
Parallel Thinking increases the awareness

8. Concept Over view

9. The 6 Thinking Hats
Creative
Facts Emotion
Negative
Logic
Positive
Thinking
Control
8

10. How to apply Hats in thinking
• There are six different hats that you can put on or take off (can be imaginary or
not).
• Think of the “hats” as thinking icons.
• Each hat has a different color and represents a different type or mode of thinking.
• In groups, all wear the same hat (do the same type of thinking) at the same time.
• When hats change – our thinking changes.
• You can use the hats for single use or in a sequential way.

11. • Power
• The intelligence, experience and knowledge of all members is fully
used.
• Time Saving
• In U.S. managers spend nearly 40% of their time in meetings.
• Thoughts are laid out in parallel.
• Removal of Ego
• People tend to use thinking to parade their egos…
• Neutral and objective exploration of a subject.
• One Thing at a Time
• You cannot be sensitized in different directions at the same time.
Results

12. Ways to use this method
• Individually (i.e., thinking alone)
• In conversation
• In meetings
• Reports and presentations

13. Organizational Advantage
It helps organization in following ways
Explore a subject
Make Decisions
Save Time

14. Applied 6 hat thinking
Steps to drive a Six Hat thinking session
1. Agree on the Focus Subject
2. Prepare for the discussion
3. Collate information by using hats on sequence
4. Understand gathered information
5. Decide the best way

15. Applied 6 hat thinking (cont.)
1.Agree on the Subject Focus
Need to declare the derails of Subject matter before the meeting
• Helps participant’s subject Matter focus
• Helps to prevent loss of focus
• Helps participants to collect all the data about it

16. Applied 6 hat thinking (cont.)
2. Prepare for the discussion
•Participants should have organize facts & figures.
•Prepare to present data and information (white hat session) in meeting.
•Avoid the need for a break-out for collection of data

17. Applied 6 hat thinking (cont.)
3.Gather Information
Participant will be gathering information by using different hats
No defined Sequence, it will be derived with ever y situation.
•Blue Hat thinking is controlling the thinking process. All are expected use blue hat to ensure the session, successful.
•An action Plan is produced to deliver the output and ensure the expectations are met

18. Hats Ranking
Control
Creative
Positive
Thinking
Facts
Negative
Logic
Emotion
Self Development
Success
High
Low
High
11

19. Applied 6 hat thinking (cont.)
4.Understand the information gathered
• Proper understanding the information gathered thru the discussion
• Structure the information by categories & filter.
This will help the out come of discussion to derive the details like risk, alternatives options etc.

20. Applied 6 hat thinking (cont.)
5. Decide the best Quick & Easly.
Collection and organization of information will provide the insight to
decide the best way forward.

21. Thank You
I hear and I forget.
I see and I remember.
I do and I understand.
--Confucius