Much like a computer, white hat thinking is neutral and does not offer interpretations or opinions.
First class proven facts and second class true but not yet proven facts are processed by
the white hat thinker. White hat thinking is a discipline and a direction and the
white hat thinker is constantly striving to be more neutral and objective in the
presentation of information. The absence of color indicates neutrality.
White Hat Language
"Choose an answer while wearing your white thinking hat."
"Just find the facts in a neutral and objective manner."
"Never mind the interpretation: just the facts please."
White Hat Discussion Topics
What are the facts of this issue?
Can you role play being a computer and being neutral?
How true is the fact?
Contrasting absolute truths and "by and large".
Where do ideas come from?
Are there any facts?
Is it a fact or is it a belief?
Is it a fact or is it a likelihood?
Does it make sense to map the facts?
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| Red
Hat - Representing Emotions and Feelings |
Red hat thinking allows the thinker to express how they feel about the issue.
Emotions and feelings are important part of thinking for both the thinker and others.
Feelings need not be justified or have a logical basis to be part of the thinking process.
Emotions range from the obvious such as fear, anger and dislike to the less obvious such as
suspicion and uneasiness. Hunches, intuition, and gut feelings are fall under the red hat thinking.
Red Hat Language
"How do you feel about this issue?"
"What does your gut tell you about this issue?"
"I sense this is a no-win situation."
"Putting on my red hat, I'd say that your offer could be seen as furthering your own interests rather than that of the company."
"My red hat tells me you oppose her promotion because you are jealous of her."
"I have a feeling he will back down on the issue."
"This is what I feel..."
"We can not ignore the anger brewing prior to this meeting."
"You mistrust him, never mind why."
Red Hat Discussion Topics
There is no need to justify or find logical basis for feelings.
Can emotional people be good thinkers?
How valid are intuitions?
Is is better to show or hide feelings?
Perceptually, thinking can change emotions.
Emotions do not have to be logical or consistent.
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| Black
Hat - Representing Critical Thinking |
The black hat thinker creates a negative assessment by pointing out what is wrong, incorrect or in error.
The risks, dangers, or faults are brought to the surface by such thinking.
The black hat thinker is not argumentative but simply aims to put the negative elements
objectively on the table. Black hat thinking may project an idea into the future to predict how
it might fail or look into the past to analyze how it can go wrong. The black hat thinker
will ask negative questions.
Black Hat Language
"Why will it not work?"
"I expect your critical review."
"Your black hat thinking is excellent, why not try another hat for a minute or two."
"You are a one hat thinker. And it's the black hat."
"What are the risks?"
"It's not likely, but that possibility always exists."
"That is black hat thinking, keep it until later."
Black Hat Discussion Topics
Black hat thinking represents a logical negative (ex. why it would not work).
Playing the devil's advocate is a method of black hat thinking.
It is much easier to be negative.
Negative thinking is attractive because its achievement is immediate and complete.
Criticizing is very easy.
Black hat thinking is not concerned with problem solving, only with pointing out the problem.
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| Yellow
Hat - Representing Sunny Optimism |
The positive and constructive yellow hat thinking represents optimism and brightness.
The positive assessment of yellow hat thinking covers the logical, the practical but also
dreams, visions and hopes. The yellow hat seeks value and benefit and is constructive and generative.
The yellow hat thinker seeks out opportunities, effectiveness, visions and dreams.
Yellow Hat Language
"What value is in this?"
"Using your yellow hat, determine the merit in this project."
"The best possible scenario is..."
"What is your vision of this department?"
"The glass is half full, not half empty."
Yellow Hat Discussion Topics
Being positive is a choice.
Contrasting being hopeful and realistic.
What is the positive view based on?
Why do you think it will happen this way?
How do you make it happen?
Understand the value of "if".
Contrast the difference between constructive and creative."
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| Green
Hat - Representing Creative |
The color green represents fertility, growth and the value of creative seeds.
The green hat thinker will pause to reflect on alternative ideas.
Provocation is a catalyst to creative thinking. Lateral thinking techniques
can be used to cut across thinking patterns to generate new concepts and perceptions.
Green Hat Language
"Let's have some new approaches to this problem. Put on your green thinking hats."
"This demands a green hat solution."
"Where does this lead to?"
"What is the forward effect of this idea?"
"What is interesting in this idea?"
"What does this idea suggest?"
"What is different about this idea?"
"What are our alternatives?"
"What happens next?"
Green Hat Discussion Topics
Understanding the relationship between humor and lateral thinking."
Use ideas as stepping stones.
We all have routes, options and choices.
There needs to be a willingness to look for alternative ways of doing things and of looking at things.
Is creativity a matter of skill, talent or personality?
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| Blue
Hat - Representing Control of Thinking |
The blue hat thinker organizes the thinking. Reviewing what hats should be worn when.
The blue hat thinker reviews the topics and directs and focuses the thinking appropriately.
Blue hat thinking is responsible for defining problems, shaping questions and developing
summaries, overviews and conclusions. Blue hat thinkers monitors the thinking process
and acts as a choreographer in the step by step thinking operation.
Blue Hat Language
"We are spending too much time arguing this point. Let's note the conflicting opinions and continue."
"Wearing the blue hat, I can summarize the material by saying...."
"My blue hat tells me we should be looking at alternatives at this point."
"I suggest you put on your red hat to clear the air."
"We need some recommendations. Yellow hat thinking please. Let's get some concrete ideas."
"I want facts and figures. Pure white hat thinking, not your opinion."
"Are we making any progress in this meeting?"
"Where do we start and what should we be thinking about first?"
"I want each of you to do some yellow hat thinking on the other's point of view. That should stop the
argument."
Blue Hat Discussion Topics
Thinking about the process of thinking.
Progress is a measurement of blue hat thinking.
The blue hat thinker holds up a sign saying "Shoot in this direction."
A mixture of colored hats may be the solution to any problem.
Normally the chairperson at any meeting has an automatic blue hat function.
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