Free Customer Success Tool - Decision Making Framework: Six Thinking Hats

Optimal Use Cases for the Six Thinking Hats in Group Decision-Making and Problem Solving

The Six Thinking Hats is best for group decision-making, fostering creativity, and exploring complex problems from different angles.

Understanding the Six Thinking Hats Process

1. White Hat (Facts and Information):

   Focus on objective data and facts without opinions or emotions.

   • Example: "What data do we have about this market opportunity?"
   • Action: Gather and analyze factual information to inform decisions.
2. Red Hat (Feelings and Intuition):

   Explore emotions and gut reactions without needing to justify them.

   • Example: "How does this proposal make everyone feel?"
   • Action: Acknowledge emotional and instinctive inputs.
3. Black Hat (Caution and Risks):

   Consider potential risks, downsides, and challenges.

   • Example: "What are the weaknesses or dangers of pursuing this option?"
   • Action: Identify potential pitfalls to mitigate risks.
4. Yellow Hat (Optimism and Benefits):

   Focus on the positives, strengths, and opportunities.

   • Example: "What are the potential benefits of this decision?"
   • Action: Highlight opportunities and constructive outcomes.
5. Green Hat (Creativity and Alternatives):

   Brainstorm innovative solutions and new ideas.

   • Example: "What unconventional approaches could solve this issue?"
   • Action: Encourage out-of-the-box thinking.
6. Blue Hat (Process and Organization):

   Manage the decision-making process and ensure balanced discussion.

   • Example: "How should we structure this discussion to cover all viewpoints?"
   • Action: Guide the group through the framework and ensure focus.

Six Thinking Hats Examples in Team and Personal Decisions

• Team Decision:

  Choosing a Marketing Strategy:

  • White Hat: Analyze audience demographics and past campaign performance.
  • Red Hat: Gauge team enthusiasm and client perception.
  • Black Hat: Identify potential risks, like budget overruns or low ROI.
  • Yellow Hat: Highlight potential brand visibility and customer engagement.
  • Green Hat: Explore creative ideas like influencer partnerships or gamified campaigns.
  • Blue Hat: Facilitate the discussion and summarize findings for clarity.
• Personal Decision:

  Deciding on a Career Change:

  • White Hat: Research salary data and job market trends.
  • Red Hat: Consider how the change feels emotionally.
  • Black Hat: Identify risks, like job instability or relocation challenges.
  • Yellow Hat: Focus on growth opportunities and increased job satisfaction.
  • Green Hat: Brainstorm alternative career paths or side hustles.
  • Blue Hat: Organize and review each perspective to finalize a decision.

Online Resources for Mastering the Six Thinking Hats

• Templates and Tools: Collaborative platforms like Miro or Lucidchart offer interactive Six Thinking Hats templates. miro.com
• Guided Exercises: Books and courses by Edward de Bono and other creativity experts. edwarddebono.com

Advantages of the Six Thinking Hats Framework

• Encourages Comprehensive Analysis: Covers all aspects of a decision, including logic, emotion, and creativity.
• Fosters Collaboration: Helps teams share diverse perspectives in an organized manner.
• Stimulates Creativity: Pushes participants to think beyond traditional viewpoints.

Disadvantages of the Six Thinking Hats Framework

• Time-Consuming: Switching between "hats" can slow the decision-making process.
• Requires Facilitation: Effective use relies on a skilled facilitator to manage transitions and ensure balanced discussion.
• Over-Structured for Simple Decisions: May be excessive for straightforward choices.

By using the Six Thinking Hats framework, individuals and teams can achieve more balanced, innovative, and well-rounded decisions, leveraging diverse perspectives effectively.