Dr Edward de Bono Introduces Six Thinking Hats®

Summary

The video introduces the Six Thinking Hats method, a structured approach to collaborative thinking that replaces argumentative discussions with parallel thinking. Each 'hat' symbolizes a different mode of thought: white for information, red for emotions, black for critical thinking, yellow for benefits, green for creativity, and blue for organization. This method fosters constructive exploration rather than opposition, encouraging participants to think in the same direction. It is widely used globally by executives, educators, and even unions to foster better communication and idea development.

Takeaways

• 💡 Argument is an ancient and inefficient way of discussing or exploring a subject.
• 🛑 Argument tends to be negative and focuses on attacking rather than constructive efforts.
• 🚀 The Six Hats method is an alternative to argument, encouraging parallel thinking and collaboration.
• 🎩 Each hat in the Six Hats system represents a different mode of thinking: White for information, Red for feelings, Black for critical thinking, Yellow for benefits, Green for creativity, and Blue for organization.
• 🌍 The Six Hats method is widely used worldwide, from top economic meetings to schools.
• 🤝 Instead of attacking or point-scoring, participants work cooperatively to open up and explore subjects.
• 💼 The method is used by people at all levels, including top executives and union negotiations.
• 🔄 The key concept of the Six Hats system is 'parallel thinking,' where everyone looks in the same direction but shifts between different perspectives.
• 🛠️ The method requires formal training but is simple and practical once learned.
• 🎨 The Green Hat encourages creativity by allowing participants to explore alternatives and generate new ideas.

Q & A

How long has the concept of argument been used for discussion?

The concept of argument has been used for discussion for 2,400 years.

What is described as a primitive and inefficient way of exploring a subject?

Argument is described as a primitive and inefficient way of exploring a subject because it is mainly negative, focused on attacking rather than constructive effort.

What is an alternative to argument that is mentioned in the script?

The alternative to argument mentioned is the use of 'Six Hats', a method where everyone thinks in parallel constructively.

What are the six different hats and what do they symbolize?

The six hats symbolize different modes or directions of thinking: White Hat for information, Red Hat for feelings, Black Hat for critical thinking, Yellow Hat for benefits, Green Hat for creativity, and Blue Hat for organizing.

How does the Six Hats method differ from traditional argument?

The Six Hats method differs from traditional argument by promoting cooperative exploration of a subject without attacking or point scoring.

What is the purpose of the Yellow Hat in the Six Hats method?

The Yellow Hat is used to explore the benefits of a subject, allowing participants to list perceived advantages.

What role does the Black Hat play in the Six Hats method?

The Black Hat is used for critical thinking, where participants can express potential dangers or downsides of a subject.

How does the Green Hat contribute to the Six Hats method?

The Green Hat is for creativity, encouraging participants to propose new ideas and alternative approaches.

What level of discussions is the Six Hats method applicable to?

The Six Hats method is applicable to discussions at any level, from top executives to shop floor workers, and even in educational settings with children.

Why have unions requested the use of the Six Hats method during negotiations?

Unions have requested the use of the Six Hats method during negotiations because it promotes parallel thinking, which helps in understanding different viewpoints without conflict.

What is the key word associated with the Six Hats method?

The key word associated with the Six Hats method is 'parallel', emphasizing thinking in the same direction while allowing for direction changes to explore multiple perspectives.