diverge · Problem Solving · 30–60 min · 4-20 people · medium energy

Six Thinking Hats

The Six Thinking Hats method encourages participants to explore a problem from six different perspectives, represented by different colored hats, to foster more comprehensive and creative thinking.

When to use Six Thinking Hats

Use this method when you need to explore a problem from multiple angles and generate a wider range of ideas and solutions.

What it solves

Stuck in a single perspective; lack of creative problem-solving; biased decision-making.

How to run Six Thinking Hats, step by step

  1. Introduce the six hats and their corresponding perspectives (5 min).
  2. Assign each participant or group a hat (5 min).
  3. Allow time for participants to think from their assigned perspective (15-30 min).
  4. Share and discuss the insights from each perspective (15-20 min).

Materials needed

  • Six different colored hats (or visual representations)
  • Whiteboard or flip chart
  • Markers or pens

Facilitator tips

  • Clearly explain the purpose and perspective of each hat.
  • Encourage participants to fully embrace their assigned perspective.

Common pitfalls

  • Participants struggling to switch perspectives.
  • Dominant voices overshadowing others.

Variations

  • Rotate hats among participants to encourage broader thinking.
  • Use the hats to structure a decision-making process.

Running it online or hybrid

Use virtual breakout rooms, one for each 'hat', and a shared document to record ideas.

What it produces

A collection of ideas and insights generated from each of the six perspectives.

Origin

Developed by Edward de Bono — source

Build a session around Six Thinking Hats

METODIC places Six Thinking Hats inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

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