Thinking Hats

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Making decisions can be hard especially when our emotions get in the way. Back in the early 1980s Maltese psychologist Edward de Bono, inventor of the phrase "Lateral Thinking" proposed an idea to help streamline our decision-making.
He called them The 6 Thinking Hats.

• Blue Hat: "The Controller's Hat"

When you are in blue hat mode, you focus on controlling your thinking and managing the decision-making process. You have an agenda, ask for summaries, and reach conclusions.

• White Hat: "The Information Hat"

The white hat represents information gathering. Think about the knowledge and insights that you've collected already – but also the information you're missing, and where you can go to get it.

• Red Hat: "The Emotional Hat"

This hat represents feelings and instincts. When you're engaged in this type of thinking, you can express your feelings without having to justify them logically.

• Black Hat: "The Be Careful Hat"

This hat is about being cautious and assessing risks. You employ critical judgment and explain exactly why you have concerns, without emotion!

• Yellow Hat: "The Optimist's Hat"

With yellow-hat thinking, you look at issues in the most positive light possible. You highlight the benefits and the added value that could come from your ideas.

• Green Hat: "The Creative Hat"

The green hat represents creative thinking. When you're "wearing" this hat, you explore a range of ideas and possible ways to make things happen.

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