Six Thinking Hats

The Six Thinking Hats is a tool for group discussion and individual thinking. The human brain thinks in several distinct ways which can be deliberately challenged. By using the six hats, you stimulate the team to think in six distinct directions. The six hats are not natural ways of thinking but rather present extremes in different personalities and thought processes.

Optimism: An optimistic response, finding benefits and harmony
Information: Examining the facts and information
Emotions: Intuition, instant reaction, and statement of feeling
Discernment: Logic to be cautious, judgment and evidence
Creativity: Statements that provoke and investigate thoughts
Managing: What is the big picture? What is the subject? Goals?

Each member gets a hat assigned in a group and gives feedback on an idea based on the specific hat. Hats can be exchanged to stimulate new perspectives. If no group is available, you can also go through all hats after each other on your own.