Six Thinking Hats
There is a myth we share. The myth that we separate our thoughts clearly. A myth we share ideas equally. The truth is we often do not. You’ve seen it. You have been in meetings where people talk all over each other.
There is a better way. Here is a quick meeting tip.
Anytime you start something different. Anytime you have a new challenge. Anytime you bring a new team together. Think separately and record ideas before discussion begins. Avoid mixing apples and oranges.
There is a tool for this. A tool designed to see everyone’s viewpoint first. Facilitators call it, SIX THINKING HATS.
A tool named after Edward de Bono and his book of the same name. There is:
A red hat
A yellow hat
A Black hat
A blue hat
A Green hat
And a white hat
Now, shifting our habitual way of thinking requires a little planning. It begins with ensuring everyone records and posts their thoughts before any discussion occurs.
Congratulations!!!! you have just worn your first hat. The blue hat. It is about planning for the discussion. Now, put the rest of the hats on in the following order. Think of these as separate hats you wear to focus only on the topic at hand.
Start with the white hat. IN 90 seconds…What are the facts your team sees regarding the current situation?
Next ask them to put on the Yellow hat. IN 90 seconds… – what opportunities do they see?
Then put on the black hat for 90 seconds… – what challenges exists between where the team is and success?
Then switch to the green hat. IN 90 seconds…What creative solutions and ideas do individuals on your team see as necessary for success?
And the last one. The red hat. In 30 seconds, record what your gut feeling is saying about the current situation and the odds of success?
Post all the ideas in a common space. Then discuss together. When your done you have a common shared understanding across your team.
This works great for teams of 5. If you have a larger group, split into smaller groups of 4 to 5. Add more time for discussion.
We love the Six Thinking hats tool. It reveals…
A path for discovering everyone’s viewpoint.
A path for discussing ideas
A path to achieve shared understanding across your team.
We suspect you will love it to.