De Bono s Six Hats A framework for thinking...
A systematic method of thinking invented by Dr Edward De Bono (1985). Dr Edward De Bono The system helps groups or individuals solve problems more effectively by deliberately adopting different perspectives characterised by the colours of the hats.
So what do I do with the hats?
You think about your issue or problem from the perspective of each hat...
Blue Hat = Process The blue hat is about process, control and taking an overview. It is used for thinking about thinking. The blue hat is often worn by the chair or facilitator of a group. Use the blue hat to think about summaries, conclusions and decisions Thoughts and Actions: What thinking is needed? Organising the thinking. Planning for action.
White Hat = Facts The white hat is about information and data. White hat thinking is neutral and objective. Examine available information and identify further information that may be needed. Investigate how you will fill knowledge gaps or make sure they are taken into account. Thoughts and Actions: What do I know? What do I need to find out? How will I get the information I need?
Black Hat = Cautions The black hat takes a negative viewpoint and focuses on difficulties, weaknesses and dangers. Think about all the reasons why a proposed solution will fail. Black hat thinking helps make your proposed solutions more resilient. Thoughts and Actions: What are the risks? Where are the difficulties, weaknesses or fatal flaws? Logical reasons are given.
Red Hat = Feelings The red hat is about feelings, intuition and emotion. The red hat allows you to present views without justification or explanation. Think about your gut reaction and how other people might react emotionally to the problem or aspects of it. Thoughts and Actions: How do I feel about this right now? What does my intuition tell me? Feelings can change. No reasons have to be given.
Green Hat = Creativity The green hat is about generating new ideas, concepts and perceptions. Think about change and escaping old paradigms in order to find solutions to your problem. Thoughts and Actions: What are the alternatives? What are the possibilities? Look for solutions to black hat problems.
Yellow Hat = Benefits The yellow hat is about hope and positivity. Yellow hat thinking helps you find the benefits in a situation. This is an optimistic point of view that finds the value in a proposed solution. Thoughts and Actions: What are the pluses? Why is this idea useful? Logical reasons are given.
How is this relevant to my research paper?
Thinking about your grand challenge problem and possible management options/solutions using the six hats system helps you compare and contrast the options and identify the best one/s for managing or resolving your problem!
Facts Cautions Feelings Creativity Benefits Process What do I know? What do I need to find out? How will I get the information I need? What are the risks? Where are the difficulties, weaknesses or fatal flaws? How do I feel about this right now? What does my intuition tell me? What are the alternatives? What are the possibilities? What are the pluses? Why is this idea useful? You can make notes in a table like this for each management option or solution. What conclusions can I draw? What actions do I need to take next?
You can also use the six hats to facilitate group discussions on a problem or a proposed management option or solution. This is one example of how you could do that... (Kapeliris, 2012)
This is not making any sense! Where can I get some help? Visit the Learning and Research Desks in every Library Chat to a Librarian online from the Library Web Page Online Resources @ Studywell www.studywell.library.qut.edu.au Study Solutions: 1 on 1 study consultations and more workshops www.library.qut.edu.au/events
References Baker, A. (2011). Edward De Bono [Image] Retrieved March 27, 2013 from http://www.news.com.au/technology/i-dont-want-to-be-bullied-by-informationedward-de-bono-says-social-media-makes-us-stupid/story-e6frfro0-1226157280438 De Bono, E. (1985). Six Thinking Hats: An Essential Approach to Business Management. New York, NY: Little, Brown, & Company. Kapeleris, J. (2012). How to use the Six Thinking Hats Tool [Web Log post] Retrieved from http://johnkapeleris.com/blog/?tag=problem-solving