Creative Problem Solving with
Six Thinking Hats
How to use Edward deBono’s
parallel thinking in problem solving
Goals of this program
Define parallel thinking
Identify each of the six hats
Learn how to ask a good question
Apply six hats method to problem solving
What is parallel thinking?
At any moment
everyone is looking in the same direction.
So the six hats are…?
Six colors of hats for six types of thinking
• Each hat identifies a type of thinking
• Hats are directions of thinking
Hats help a group use parallel thinking
• You can “put on” and “take off” a hat
Uses for Six Hats
Problem solving
Strategic planning
Running meetings
Much more
Six colors…
White: neutral, objective
Red: emotional, angry
Black: serious, somber
Yellow: sunny, positive
Green: growth, fertility
Blue: cool, sky above
…and six hats
White: objective facts & figures
Red: emotions & feelings
Black: cautious & careful
Yellow: hope, positive & speculative
Green: creativity, ideas & lateral thinking
Blue: control & organization of thinking
General hat issues
Direction, not description
• Set out to think in a certain direction
• “Let’s have some black hat thinking…”
Not categories of people
• Not: “He’s a black hat thinker.”
• Everyone can and should use all the hats
A constructive form of showing off
• Show off by being a better thinker
• Not destructive right vs. wrong argument
Use in whole or in part
Benefits of Six Thinking Hats
Provides a common language
Experience & intelligence of each person (Diversity of thought)
Use more of our brains
Helps people work against type, preference
Removal of ego (reduce confrontation)
Save time
Focus (one thing at a time)
Create, evaluate & implement action plans
Using the hats
Use any hat, as often as needed
Sequence can be preset or evolving
Not necessary to use every hat
Time under each hat: generally, short
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