| Traditional discussion
is adversarial. A argues with B in the hope that the best solution
will emerge. This can be depicted by two opposing arrows.
In Parallel Thinking, A and B do the same type
of thinking at the same time. They may then choose to switch to
another mode—again both at the same time—until the exploration
is complete. Parallel Thinking can be depicted by two parallel arrows.
With this tool there are six different coloured,
imaginary/metaphorical hats that can be put on or taken off. (Actual
hat symbols can be used with children.) Each hat represents a different
type or mode of thinking:
White Hat - Information – Facts; what you
have, what you need and where to get it.
Red Hat - Feelings – Intuition and instincts.
Black Hat - Caution – Dangers and potential problems.
Yellow Hat - Benefits - Positive aspects and values.
Green Hat - Creativity – Alternatives, options, new concepts
and perceptions.
Blue Hat - Managing the thinking – Ensuring
rules are observed, sequencing hats and decision taking.
The whole group wears the same colour hat at the
same time (i.e. everyone does the same type thinking at the same
time) and all participants change hats at the same time (i.e. everyone
changes thinking from one mode to another at the same time). It
is critical that all participants do the same type of thinking at
the same time. This is termed Parallel Thinking and is central to
the success of the framework.
The Six Thinking Hats ® can be used by individuals
alone or by groups together, having a dramatic impact on the situation
being considered.
The Six Thinking Hats ® method therefore has great
impact by:
- Improving the output and productivity either when working individually
or alone.
- Enabling the evaluation of ideas and topics quickly yet thoroughly.
- Constructively challenging current thinking.
- Developing a cooperative culture/climate when used in group settings.
- Enabling team-working by separating ego from performance and promoting
positive relationships.
- Providing an equal opportunity for all team members to make a valuable
contribution.
- Encouraging the reticent to take part and optimising individual
strengths.
- Overcoming cultural differences.
The Six Thinking Hats ® in effect provide
a framework, through which the CoRT tools can be applied, and whether
used by individuals alone or groups together they can have dramatic
impact on the situation being considered, as has been evidenced
in a wide range of cases as demonstrated in the Case
Studies
The Six Thinking Hats ® - © McQuaig Group
Inc.
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