Thinking method · de Bono, Six Thinking Hats

Six directions of thinking

Doing one kind of thinking at a time instead of all at once. A group going in circles, or your own thinking where criticism keeps killing ideas early.

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Doing one kind of thinking at a time instead of all at once.

The steps

1. Facts — what do we actually know, and what is missing?
2. Feelings — what is the gut reaction, stated without needing to justify it?
3. Caution — what could go wrong, what are the risks?
4. Benefits — what is the best case, and what would have to be true for it?
5. Creativity — what alternatives have not been said yet?
6. Process — what kind of thinking do we need next?
7. Take them in turn. The rule is that everyone does the same one at the same time.

When to use it

A group going in circles, or your own thinking where criticism keeps killing ideas early.

What it will not do

It organises thinking. It does not supply judgement about which output matters.

Where it comes from: de Bono, Six Thinking Hats. Described in our own words.