Pick a Hat: 6 Thinking Hats to Combat Subjectivity

Edward de Bono introduced the concept of Thinking Hats almost four decades ago, although it is not new. In his book, de Bono outlined the six cognitive orientations that these hats represent. These hats help people see things differently and think in different ways when engaging in problem solving or making choices.

Moreover, the Thinking Hats approach helps individuals overcome other limiting thought processes that may hinder innovation and problem solving in an organization. It allows for a structured and systematic exploration of ideas, ensuring that all aspects and possibilities are thoroughly examined. This method also promotes collaboration and effective communication within teams, as each member can contribute their unique perspective by adopting a specific thinking hat.

Discover why the Thinking Hat theory can be useful when it comes to company-wide innovation and how it can enable innovators and innovation teams to see things differently by embracing diverse thinking and celebrating multiple perspectives.

Seeing things differently

As part of the 6 Thinking Hats concept, each hat represents a different mode of thinking.

The six hats include:

• White Hat: This hat focuses on objective and factual information

• Red Hat: This hat encourages emotional and intuitive thinking

• Black Hat: The hat represents critical and cautious thinking

• Yellow Hat: This hat promotes optimistic and positive thinking

• Green Hat: Stimulates creative and innovative thinking

• Blue Hat: This facilitates control and organization of the thinking process

By consciously wearing each hat, individuals or teams can approach the problem, project, or situation from a variety of perspectives. This helps them to gain valuable insights and foster innovative thinking by engaging with different modes of creativity.

For example; the Blue Hat: Control (Managing Thinking and Processes) takes a more introspective approach. It delves into the depths of thought, analyzing and organizing the thinking process. It emphasizes the importance of thoughtful planning before taking action. However, it's essential not to get stuck in this phase either. 

The power of objectivity

Here lies the power of circling though these hats; objectivity! Limiting your innovation project to just one or two methods can trap you in your own biases and ways of thinking. By utilizing these different thinking modes, individuals can avoid falling into the trap of confirmation bias, where they only seek information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs or ideas.

The Thinking Hats method encourages individuals to consider multiple perspectives and continuously challenge their own assumptions, leading to more well-rounded and comprehensive ideas and solutions.

Particularly when it comes to innovation, it is an iterative process whereby ideas and concepts undergo a constant loop of iterations and refinement before being executed and eventually released to market. This helps to get adequate feedback from all directions, ultimately improving and furthering the idea or concept.

Finding the balance

Like everything in life and also in innovation, it's about finding a balance when it comes to using the Six Thinking Hat method. If you constantly hold onto the black hat of caution for example, you may never take the first step. Likewise, if you continuously don the yellow hat of positivity, you may overlook the potential drawbacks of a project. This occurs because your focus is solely on the benefits, and you may fail to consider the possible downsides. 

If you know why and think the problem is important, try role playing to find creative solutions for your customers. Wear the green hat of creativity, but also remember to regularly wear the white hat of logic and facts.

When it comes to innovation, the Six Thinking Hats method provides a powerful framework for teams and innovators to implement. By consciously engaging through different modes of thought, innovators are able to view their idea with objectivity, ultimately breaking free from any biases when engaging in problem-solving and finding appropriate solutions.