Six Thinking Hats
by Edward de Bono
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Book Reviews of Six Thinking Hats
Book Review: This is an excellent method
Summary: 5 Stars
Good thinking is simple. The goal of effective thinking is to make complexity managable. The Six Thinking Hats Method is by design a KISS system that is not intended to emphasize how clever any individuals in a group are, but to make actionable decisions--in most cases to achieve business results (as de Bono wryly notes elsewhere, most academics aren't interested in effective thinking).The reason I'm writing this review is to correct an inaccuracy in the previous review. Having each person in a group adopt a different hat is exactly the OPPOSITE of what is intended with the Parallel Thinking method (a virtual synonym for the Six Hat method). The idea is that everyone in a group focusses on a specific element (Hat) at the same time, not individually. Doing it this way reduces argument and the role of ego in the conversation.
As de Bono notes, an important element in his work is also to demystify creativity, and help people understand you don't need lava lamps and candles to "do" creativity effectively. You don't have to be goofy. Ordinary business people working on engines and vaccines--and, as far as that goes, Accounts Payable, Sales, and Project Management--need creativity to be effective and competitive in a 24 hour global marketplace.
I teach this course...
Book Review: Excellent Method - Book Needed an Editor
Summary: 4 Stars
The method outlined in this book is incredibly useful and yields very powerful results...albeit its somewhat goofy hat metaphors for thinking styles. There is little point going on about the details - many reviewers have covered the strengths.
Several items detract from the book:
1. Each exploration of the different thinking styles (aka "hats") has significant repetition; I'd be surprised if you ended up reading this book word-for-word.
2. Some of the assertions made - months' long problems solved in 15 minutes, etc. - seem a bit on the extreme end of the spectrum, and as such, detract from the power of the methodology. Realistically, in my work with this method, it takes a bit to get folks comfortable enough to do their best work consistently. I've yet to see a 15-minute miracle solution appear.
Yet these are minor quibbles. If you work with organizations or teams to solve problems, whether as an outside facilitator or consultant, or you deal with a significant number of heated meetings and have the capability to suggest framework and process changes, this is definitely a method that belongs in your toolkit.
J. Avellanet, Co-Founder of Cerulean Associates LLC (www.ceruleanllc.com)
Book Review: It Worked for Me
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is a practical tool for understanding the how and why of 6 Hat Thinking and for learning how to use 6 Hat Thinking in your personal, family and work life.
I read this book immediately after reading "I AM RIGHT, YOU ARE WRONG" also by Edward de Bono. I'm not sure that I would have understood the need for 6 hat thinking if I hadn't read the books in conjunction with one another.
Before reading the books, "I didn't get it." 6 hat thinking seemed "corny" before I understood that the hats were not real, they are just imaginary tools that give us permission to think in differently focused ways.
6 hat thinking takes the confusion and inefficiency out of thinking. My own thinking was predominately Black (Rational/Critical/Negative) and White (Data) hat. I didn't understand the need for Yellow (Positive), Green (Creative), Red (Emotions), or Blue (thinking about thinking) or appreciate creative momentum that can be achieved by using the hats.
Book Review: Over-juggling
Summary: 4 Stars
The only reason the book doesn't get five stars is for the rather straight forward - get to the point writing style. Nevertheless the concepts in the book are phenomenal! This book should be required reading for everyone ages twelve and up.
The book has a strong business management focus. However, it can be easily applied to about any aspect of life. As a missionary with no business background thinking skills are essential. The book was a true blessing.
As de Bono states, "We try to do too much at once. Emotions, information, logic, hope and creativity all crowd in on us. It is like juggling with too many balls."
If you desire to be a better thinker this book is a must!
"Usually, the only people who are very satisfied with their thinking skill are those poor thinkers who believe that the purpose of thinking is to prove yourself right - to your own satisfaction."
Book Review: Brief yet entertaining
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a short, easy-read book. Chapters are small with an introduction and summary to each colored hat.
De Bono not only criticizes our way of thinking, but gives a solution for a more productive thinking. While most successful people believe that they are competent at thinking and make no efforts to improve; De Bono presents a brilliant new method to tackle any problem that can be present during a decision making process.
His methodology is so simple that there are no theories, principles or models in the book. Overall this is an essential read for anybody interested in improving their thinking and facilitators running brainstorming sessions.
I found this book very useful and the time I spend reading it worth while. The method in the book of using six ways of looking at something, the six thinking hats does work in real life and gives benefit. I sincerely recommended it.