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
- 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.
- Look at the topic while wearing the factual hat: inventory the things you know about the topic.
- Now put on the creative hat: think of as many ideas as possible for solving this problem, creating this value or achieving this outcome.
- 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?
- 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?
- Next, evaluate the ideas wearing the emotional hat: What do you feel when considering the ideas? Where is the energy concentrated? What feels good?
- 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?