How we can use Edward De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats

We are primarily working out problems and decision making in our day to day corporate life. Interestingly though, we often came across many ways to think, but we rarely think about the way we think. Edward De Bono’s Six Thinking Hats provides a holistic and systematic approach for thinking and come up with new ideas. It will have a long term affect on our decision making process.

Each Hat has its own advantages and each constitutes a thinking skill.

Which one is your style HAT!

Lets deep dive:

Six Thinking HAT’s by Edward De Bono

How we can use this effectively in Product Management:

1. White Hat (Facts and Figures):

· Use the White Hat to gather data and information relevant to the product. This can include market research, customer feedback, and performance metrics.

· Analyze objective data to understand the current state of the product and the market.

2. Red Hat (Feelings):

· Encourage team members to express their feelings and intuitions about the product. This can be particularly useful when discussing user experience, brand perception, and emotional impact.

· Consider how users might emotionally connect with the product or how emotions could influence decision-making.

3. Black Hat (Risks):

· Identify potential risks, challenges, and weaknesses associated with the product. This could involve analyzing technical limitations, market competition, and potential negative customer feedback.

· Evaluate the downside of different features or strategies to make informed risk management decisions.

4. Yellow Hat (Opportunities):

· Focus on the positive aspects of the product. Explore its strengths, advantages, and USP’s.

· Consider how certain features or improvements can positively impact user satisfaction, market positioning, and overall success.

5. Green Hat (Innovation):

· Use creative thinking to brainstorm new features, product enhancements, or innovative solutions to existing challenges.

· Encourage team members to think outside the box and propose novel ideas that could differentiate the product in the market.

6. Blue Hat (Control):

· Take on the role of the Blue Hat to guide and organize the overall product management process. Set the agenda for meetings, allocate time effectively, and ensure that all perspectives are considered.

· Use the Blue Hat to facilitate decision-making processes and keep the team focused on the product’s strategic goals.