Decision-making is a strategic skill that requires deep understanding and a focus on the factors involved. But sometimes people feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions they have to make in their daily lives. They can’t comprehend every factor and stay confused about whether or not to move forward with this decision or not. Indecisive people can make use of a tool known as the Six Thinking Hats technique by Dr. Edward de Bono. So in this blog, we will discover the six thinking hats, their advantages and disadvantages, and examples.
What Are Six Thinking Hats?
The six thinking hats of De Bono are colorful, and each has a different function and way of thinking. Each hat solves and analyzes situations from different perspectives. This cycle of thinking has been considered a metaphorical approach that scans every decision from all sides and presents conflict-free and efficient recommendations.
The Six Thinking Hat Functions
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White Hat:
The white hat is a rational hat that focuses on data and trends. Wearing this hat means dealing with data and facts. This stage compels you to gather as much data, figures, facts, and statistical information as possible. What information is needed, and what do we already have?
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Yellow Hat:
This hat highlights positivity and encourages optimistic thinking. Just like the sun is bright and yellow, it also makes us look at the brighter side. Wearing this yellow hat makes us wonder and experience the benefits and best-case scenarios. Builds a positive attitude toward decision-making.
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Black Hat:
The black hat has been the critical examiner of any harmful thing. It focuses on analyzing roles, risks, challenges, and difficulties before making decisions. So before you move on with your decisions, take precautions and consider the downfalls, drawbacks, challenges, risks, and problems proactively.
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Red Hat:
The red hat means becoming emotional and expressing inner feelings about the situation. Wearing this hat means you are free to judge and express your real feelings, intuitive thoughts, and emotions. Facts and figures are kept aside, but what does this situation make you and others feel?
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Green Hat:
Human beings are capable of creativity and critical thinking. Wearing this hat means being creative and sharing new and innovative ideas. The situation needs a green hat whenever there is a possibility of thinking differently. Approaching and solving problematic situations from different perspectives and angles means utilizing the green hat. In simple words, think outside the box.
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Blue Hat:
This hat combines each hat’s functions and forms an effective hat-thinking process. Finally, it manages the process in the right direction and a structured manner. Wearing this hat means working collaboratively by discussing the assigned roles of each hat given to each person.
Six Thinking Hats’ Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
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This thinking process has a step-by-step analysis of each situation that reduces the chances of making mistakes and helps save time. When you do not know what to do, this process becomes a valuable resource for making decisions.
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This process improves communication and fosters a strong connection among teams. It has an easy-to-understand structure that fosters clear understanding and communication.
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The hat-thinking process brings satisfaction to the soul as it analyzes everything in a situation for decision-making. You are well-informed about the different ideas, perspectives, angles, opinions, facts, and figures used.
Disadvantages:
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This process requires facilitation and support from someone who has used this technique before. Some people might skip one of the steps, and it can lead to an unsuccessful decision-making situation, so that’s why it requires monitoring.
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This becomes a slow and time-consuming process for beginners because they aren’t familiar with it. So for urgent decision-making, this process might not be the right approach.
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Some people might tend to overthink each hat that comes their way. Overthinking can lead to overanalyzing, which could lead to exhaustion and frustration.
Six Thinking Hats Technique Example
Here is an example of the six-thinking hats technique:
Situation:
You have to decide whether you should visit your best friend, who lives in a nearby city.
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White Hat:
You start gathering information like trip costs, time available, weather forecast, best routes and place to stay or rent.
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Yellow Hat:
You are feeling that this is a great decision to visit a friend. It would be refreshing and destressing. You will laugh, sit, and enjoy yourself with your friend after a long time.
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Black Hat:
While you know there will be enjoyment, you must consider some serious factors, like how expensive it will be if I don’t plan it according to my budget. After I come back, I will have to catch up with all my missing work, or while I’m there with my friend, I might delay my stay due to unexpected circumstances.
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Red Hat:
You feel that you are getting excited about meeting your friend after a long time. You know you need a break from work and feel that quality time with a friend is much needed. You are also worried about the amount of work you will have to do when you return.
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Green Hat:
Fuel prices are rising, and then you consider carpooling with someone. You consider staying at your friend’s place to save money. Ask for remote work opportunities and manage half of your workload.
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Blue Hat:
I will consider every factor involved in the decision-making process, such as making a budget, researching, my friend’s availability, and others.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Six Hats Thinking Process by Dr. Edward de Bono is a powerful technique that helps make decisions easier. Students who are confused about their CIPD assignments can approach CIPD Assignment Help Dubai for help. This thinking process allows informed decision-making, clear communication, and collaboration and focuses on creativity and problem-solving. Students should trust this process as they trust ILM Level 3 assignment help services for assignment help. So if you are stuck in a stressful situation, the six thinking hats process is the right approach for streamlined decision-making.