Six Thinking Hats
Created by Edward de Bono, this framework directs the group to wear six metaphorical 'thinking hats', each representing a different mode of thinking. White = facts and data; Red = emotions and gut feeling; Black = critical judgment; Yellow = optimism and value; Green = creativity and alternatives; Blue = process and meta-thinking. By separating thinking modes, the group explores ideas more fully and avoids premature criticism.
How to run it
- 1
Explain the six hat colours and their meanings.
- 2
The Blue Hat (facilitator) sets the agenda — which hats to use and in what order.
- 3
Typical sequence for evaluating an idea: White (what do we know?) → Yellow (what's good about this?) → Black (what could go wrong?) → Green (how might we improve it?) → Red (how does it feel?) → Blue (what's our conclusion?).
- 4
The whole group wears the same hat at the same time. Diverging to your own hat is not allowed.
- 5
Spend 5–10 minutes per hat.
- 6
After all hats: the Blue Hat summarises and draws conclusions.
Tips
The Black Hat is the most natural for most people — so always follow it with the Green Hat (creative responses to criticism).
Don't let the Red Hat devolve into a debate; it's for gut feelings only, not arguments.
Variations
Use individual hats for one-on-one coaching. Run a 'mini hat' version with just 3 hats for quick decisions: White → Black → Green.
Where it fits
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