De Bono’s hats

De Bono’s hats

What

De Bono’s hats is a method for looking at a topic from various perspectives – factual, creative, optimistic, critical, emotional, contemplative – and coming up with solutions.

Why

By deliberately wearing a specific hat while looking at an issue, you force yourself to let go of your own familiar way of thinking. This creates space for new perspectives and ideas.

How

  1. Choose a topic as a starting point for the brainstorm. This could be a problem to be solved, a value to be created or a desired outcome.
  2. Look at the topic while wearing the factual hat: inventory the things you know about the topic.
  3. Now put on the creative hat: think of as many ideas as possible for solving this problem, creating this value or achieving this outcome.
  4. Evaluate the ideas wearing the optimistic hat: What is the idea’s strength? Which other ideas can enhance this strength? Which other ideas can also achieve this?
  5. Now evaluate the ideas wearing the critical hat: What is the idea’s weakness? Which negative consequences could there be? Which solutions are needed to remedy this weakness or mitigate any negative consequences?
  6. Next, evaluate the ideas wearing the emotional hat: What do you feel when considering the ideas? Where is the energy concentrated? What feels good?
  7. Lastly, consider all ideas wearing the contemplative hat: What is the result? Which opportunities can be identified? Which ideas are worth elaborating? Which are the possible risks?

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