The Six Thinking Hats method, developed by Edward de Bono, is a powerful multidisciplinary decision-making and problem-solving tool that helps small business owners and teams think more clearly, creatively, and collaboratively. It involves looking at a situation from six distinct perspectives—each represented by a different colored “hat”—to encourage balanced, structured thinking.
Here’s how each disciplinary (or domain) hat works:
1. White Hat – Focuses on facts, data, and objective information. What do we know? What do we need to find out?
2. Red Hat – Represents emotions, intuition, and gut feelings. What are our instincts or emotional reactions telling us?
3. Black Hat – Looks at risks, obstacles, and potential problems. What could go wrong?
4. Yellow Hat – Focuses on optimism, benefits, and opportunities. What are the potential gains?
5. Green Hat – Encourages creativity, new ideas, and alternative solutions. What are some innovative ways forward?
6. Blue Hat – Manages the thinking process itself. What is the goal, and how should we structure our discussion?
For small businesses, the Six Thinking Hats method is especially useful in brainstorming sessions, strategic planning, resolving conflicts, or evaluating major decisions. It helps avoid groupthink by ensuring that all perspectives—logical, emotional, critical, and creative—are considered without bias or domination by louder voices.
The method also improves communication by separating thinking modes. Everyone “wears” the same hat at the same time, keeping discussions focused and respectful.
Its major advantage lies in decision quality and team alignment. By organizing thinking and encouraging broad participation, small businesses can make smarter, more inclusive choices.
In a fast-paced, resource-limited environment, the Six Thinking Hats method offers a simple, effective way to make thoughtful, well-rounded decisions that balance creativity with caution and logic with emotion.
Tyler de la Plaine, Founder and Principle Consultant
Thrive Venture Consulting — bringing people and ideas together.