summary ofSix Thinking HatsBook by Edward de Bono, PhD

first KEY POINT

Thinking is our most precious resource, and we should learn to use it efficiently

Edward de Bono revolutionized the way we think by introducing the concept of the Six Hats method. Researchers from IMB laboratories, teachers, jurors, and world-famous companies (such as Siemens) utilize the technique in the working process. All claim that six hats make whatever they are doing astonishingly efficient. The meetings take less time, and the decision-making has become more manageable.

Thinking is a skill, and we can’t master it completely. There’s no limit to learning. While improving and utilizing this skill, however, we encounter a big issue: confusion. Thinking comes in different colors. Logic, emotions, creativity, and facts influence it. The vibrancy can feel overwhelming, and here’s where the six hats come into play. This method makes your thoughts more organized by dividing them into six types.Typical Western thinking mainly relies on three things:• Argument
• Categorization
• Searching for the ultimate truthEdward de Bono proposes parallel sensitization that accounts for various possible truths. This method focuses on what can be, not only what is. Thinking based on the argument is not sufficient for an ever-changing world. Parallel thinking presupposes looking at a given subject from all possible perspectives. While disagreements dictate that only one opinion can be right, six hats allow various correct viewpoints.The directions parallel thinking can take are defined by different hats, each with unique characteristics. There are various ways to use hats. Single-use is helpful when we want to engage in a particular thinking style. We can also use hats in sequence, either an evolving one or a pre-set one.