Are you a parallel thinker? Do you practice parallel thinking in your office? Have you ever heard of parallel thinking?
I hadn't, until someone shared a book with me and suggested I read it. The book is titled Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono.
The basic concept behind the Six Thinking Hats is to separate and define certain types of thinking, so that everyone in the brainstorming group is thinking the same way at the same time, or thinking "in parallel". For example, everyone thinks logically together, and then they think creatively together. Theoretically, you eliminate the challenges that can result from one person thinking logically, while at the same time another person is thinking emotionally and still another is thinking creatively.
Each colored hat represents a style of thinking:
White hat = neutral and objective, only concerned with facts and figures. Details needed to answer questions or identify questions that need to be answered
Red hat = Emotional response. When an idea is presented, each individual is expected to share his or her immediate emotional reaction without explanation, good, bad or indifferent. This sets the stage for the rest of the Thinking Hat process.
Black hat = Careful and cautious. This is the opportunity for everyone in the group to play devil's advocate. In other words, what problems will or may arise from the idea being considered?
Yellow hat = Positive and optimistic. What are the potential benefits that may result from the idea being presented? Identify all the good!
Green hat = Growth, creativity and new ideas. Now that you understand the good, the bad and have all the data and facts available, how can you adjust, improve or implement the idea to maximize effectiveness and generate desired results. (NOTE: you may realize that an idea isn't worth implementing because it has too little upside or poses barriers too large to overcome)
Blue hat = The organizing hat. This ensures that everyone understands the objectives, the process and the action steps.
I recently spent two days at a conference where we practiced the Six Thinking Hats process. In my opinion, it has great potential for creating clarity and unity of thought. However, it isn't as easy as it may appear. Participants will try to shift back and forth between "hats" and that has to be constantly managed or the process breaks down. Also, ideas have to be very clear (i.e. "A four day work week" versus "a shorter work week"). The more vague or philosophical the idea, the more questions it creates and the less it answers.
It is a natural extension of the traditional detour creating, brainstorming process, but gets everyone thinking in unison instead of arguing in support of their preexisting opinions.
If you have a chance, read the book. I think you'll find it interesting, and it will take no more than a couple of hours. Once you do, I'd love to hear your opinions.
I hadn't, until someone shared a book with me and suggested I read it. The book is titled Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono.
The basic concept behind the Six Thinking Hats is to separate and define certain types of thinking, so that everyone in the brainstorming group is thinking the same way at the same time, or thinking "in parallel". For example, everyone thinks logically together, and then they think creatively together. Theoretically, you eliminate the challenges that can result from one person thinking logically, while at the same time another person is thinking emotionally and still another is thinking creatively.
Each colored hat represents a style of thinking:
White hat = neutral and objective, only concerned with facts and figures. Details needed to answer questions or identify questions that need to be answered
Red hat = Emotional response. When an idea is presented, each individual is expected to share his or her immediate emotional reaction without explanation, good, bad or indifferent. This sets the stage for the rest of the Thinking Hat process.
Black hat = Careful and cautious. This is the opportunity for everyone in the group to play devil's advocate. In other words, what problems will or may arise from the idea being considered?
Yellow hat = Positive and optimistic. What are the potential benefits that may result from the idea being presented? Identify all the good!
Green hat = Growth, creativity and new ideas. Now that you understand the good, the bad and have all the data and facts available, how can you adjust, improve or implement the idea to maximize effectiveness and generate desired results. (NOTE: you may realize that an idea isn't worth implementing because it has too little upside or poses barriers too large to overcome)
Blue hat = The organizing hat. This ensures that everyone understands the objectives, the process and the action steps.
I recently spent two days at a conference where we practiced the Six Thinking Hats process. In my opinion, it has great potential for creating clarity and unity of thought. However, it isn't as easy as it may appear. Participants will try to shift back and forth between "hats" and that has to be constantly managed or the process breaks down. Also, ideas have to be very clear (i.e. "A four day work week" versus "a shorter work week"). The more vague or philosophical the idea, the more questions it creates and the less it answers.
It is a natural extension of the traditional detour creating, brainstorming process, but gets everyone thinking in unison instead of arguing in support of their preexisting opinions.
If you have a chance, read the book. I think you'll find it interesting, and it will take no more than a couple of hours. Once you do, I'd love to hear your opinions.
