Tuesday 13 March 2012

Working Skills: A Guide to the Six Thinking Hats

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As I have said before, I’m now expanding my blog posts to cover a variety of topics covering careers and the recruitment process. This week, I’ve written a blog post that is particularly aimed at people who are already in full-time work, and who may want to develop their skills in decision-making. However, even if you’re still a student then please read on anyway as you may find this intriguing.

Edward de Bono created this concept of the six thinking hats. Each coloured hat is designed to help you in approaching and making the right decision. Thus, if you can approach decisions in the ways that the six different hats do, you will then be able to make the best decision possible. This technique can be utilised on your own or with a group of colleagues.

Here is how it works. Each hat represents a different way of thinking:-

-White: This hat makes decisions by analysing the data and figures that are available.

-Red: A red hat is someone who makes a decision using his or her gut reaction and intuition.

-Black: The black hat thinkers make sure that they analyse all of the negative aspects of the decision.

-Yellow: The yellow hat is opposite to the black hat. Instead of thinking negatively, the yellow hat looks at the positive aspects of the decision.

-Green: Green decisions highlight creativity and the ability to solve problems in a creative way.

-Blue: Blue hats control the process of making decisions. For example, when ideas are running dry, they may divert to green hat thinking in order to make a decision.

Working out decisions using the six hats technique will provide a well thought out approach in order to determine the best decision. This skill will be most useful in a working environment, for instance, when managing your team or aiding your team as a team member.

Are there any topics you would like me to address in future posts? Tweet me.

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