The well-known phrase “put your thinking cap on” is believed to have derived from the term ‘considering cap’ firstly in the 17th century. It has been said English judges wore a ‘considering cap’ while pondering a sentence, as respected thinkers it later became known as a thinking cap. Other professions such as scholars wore tight fitting caps and were regarded as intelligent thinkers, an observation which has led people to form ideas surrounding that of hats and thinking being linked.
Edward de Bono introduced the term lateral thinking in the 1960’s, one example of lateral thinking was an exercise he created called six-hat thinking. Each hat is differentiated by colour and represents a different perspective to take towards the problem. They are used as tools to establish a solution to incomplete thinking and to improve communication within a group creating a more collaborative discussion. So what are the six different hats and what do they represent?
“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.” – Edward de Bono
To look purely at the facts, statistics and background knowledge to understand the subject matter and possibly predict a future outcome or solution based only on available information. Asking what are the facts? What do we currently know about the subject and the problem we face?
To form an initial emotional response and instinctive gut feelings with no justification or reasoning other than intuition. Focusing on questions such as how does it make you feel? to generate such reactions.
To take a practical and realistic look at where to find the weakest points of a plan, by highlighting them in the beginning a resilient plan can be formed around the threats. By asking questions such as what is preventing us? what can go wrong? Identifying the negatives to form a positive action plan.
To think positively, choosing to focus only on the brighter side of situations, the benefits and values from an optimistic viewpoint. With a yes and can-do attitude asking questions such as How can we do this? Can help form a plan to reach the ideal outcome.
To think creatively and generate ideas or routes that can be developed to creatively solve the solution. Looking at alternative factors surrounding the solution and asking questions such as what opportunities are there? In order to produce additional material.
Considering all perspectives and viewpoints from above and choosing which hat to wear and in which order to solve and manage the problem. This hat sets a direction for thinking asking questions such as how should we think about this? Which hat is called for first?
The six-hat thinking exercise can be applied to many problems whether you face them alone or in a team. Put your thinking cap on and get in touch to talk through your project with our team today.
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