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The White Hat – Information
Focus: Facts and data
What do we know?
What do we need to find out?
Neutral and objective.
Avoids interpretation or opinion.
3
20 reads
The Red Hat – Emotions & Feelings
Focus: Feelings, hunches, intuition
Allows emotional input without justification.
Useful in decision-making to understand reactions.
“Gut feelings” are valid here.
2
18 reads
The Black Hat – Caution & Critical Thinking
Focus: Judgment, risks, obstacles
Highlights weaknesses or potential problems.
Helps avoid poor decisions.
Most used hat in traditional thinking.
2
15 reads
The Yellow Hat – Optimism & Benefits
Focus: Positive thinking, values, and benefits
Why an idea could work.
Looks at feasibility and opportunities.
Balances the black hat.
3
12 reads
The Green Hat – Creativity & Alternatives
Focus: New ideas, possibilities, alternatives
Encourages innovation and lateral thinking.
No criticism; just generating options.
Essential for solving problems creatively.
2
12 reads
The Blue Hat – Process & Control
Focus: Thinking about thinking
Organizes and manages the thinking process.
Decides which hat to wear and when.
Summarizes discussions and conclusions.
2
12 reads
Why Hats?
Explains why using metaphors (hats) simplifies switching thinking modes.
Helps people adopt roles without personal bias.
Encourages equal contribution.
2
12 reads
Using the Hats Separately
Hats can be used one at a time depending on the situation.
Examples given of how each hat can lead meetings or thinking sessions.
2
12 reads
Using the Hats Together (Sequences)
Describes how to use hats in structured sequences.
Different problems require different orders of hats.
Sequences can be pre-planned or adaptive.
2
13 reads
Control of the Hats
The blue hat (control hat) manages the process.
Assigns roles and monitors thinking.
Keeps sessions focused and time-efficient.
2
8 reads
Six Hats and Real-World Applications
Examples from schools, businesses, and governments.
Demonstrates effectiveness in group discussions, negotiations, and creative processes.
2
8 reads
Teaching the Hats
Offers methods for educators and trainers.
Simplifies the learning of critical and creative thinking.
Emphasizes early education and group usage.
2
8 reads
The Future of Thinking
Advocates for widespread adoption of Six Thinking Hats.
Promotes a culture of collaborative, organized, and creative thought.
Encourages changing the way the world thinks—literally.
2
8 reads
IDEAS CURATED BY
CURATOR'S NOTE
The Problem with Thinking De Bono explains the limitations of traditional thinking methods and introduces the concept of parallel thinking. The Six Thinking Hats technique is proposed as a way to separate thinking into distinct modes, preventing confusion and conflict.
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Different Perspectives Curated by Others from Six Thinking Hats
Curious about different takes? Check out our book page to explore multiple unique summaries written by Deepstash curators:
2 ideas
Hritik 's Key Ideas from Six Thinking Hats
Edward de Bono
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Gaurav Patil's Key Ideas from Six Thinking Hats
Edward De Bono
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