FIRST ORAL PROJECT
The Six Hats
ROSMERY VÁSQUEZ 1608124
This technique is fascinating because it hacks the
natural way our brain works. Normally, when we
think about a problem, we try to do everything at
once: we analyze data, worry about risks, and
get excited about ideas, all in the same thread of
thought. This creates confusion and blocks.
The Six Hats force parallel thinking. Instead of
discussing or judging an idea as it arises,
everyone involved (or yourself) looks in the
same direction at the same time.
The Meaning of Each Hat
Black hat Green hat Red hat
Analyzes negative Encourages creativity Expresses emotions
aspects and risks. It is and new ideas. There and feelings. You don't
vital for the survival of are no bad ideas here; need to justify why
any project, but it the goal is growth and something "gives you a
should not be used to innovation. bad feeling" or why it
"kill" ideas, rather to excites you. The feeling
strengthen them. is expressed and you
move on.
Blue hat Yellow hat White Hat
Controls the thinking Focuses on positive Focuses on data and
process and organizes aspects and objective information. You
discussions. Defines the opportunities. Looks for do not need to justify why
order of the hats, value and benefits. Why something "gives you a bad
controls the time, and is this going to work? feeling" or why it excites
summarizes the What opportunities are you.
conclusions. behind this idea? Helps
to maintain motivation.
How to perform the
exercise
It is not necessary to always use all the hats,
nor in a fixed order. The order depends on
your goal:
To evaluate a new idea:
White (see what we know).
Yellow (see the benefits).
Black (see the risks).
Green (see how to mitigate risks).
Red (see what we feel in the end).
Deciding Whether to Change Exercise
Routine
Imagine that you are thinking about changing your
current workout for a more intense one (like swimming or
triathlon):
White: "I currently train 3 days a week. The new
routine requires 5 days and additional equipment."
Yellow: "It would drastically improve my
cardiovascular capacity and give me more discipline."
Black: "It is very expensive to pay for the club
membership and it will take away my study time in
the afternoons."
Green: "What if I find a partner to split costs? Or if
I train early in the morning so as not to disturb my
afternoon hours?"
Red: "I am afraid of not performing well, but I am
excited about the challenge of trying something
new."
Blue: "We have seen that the main problem is
time. The green hat solution seems viable. Let's try
it for a week."
Thank you
ROSMERY VÁSQUEZ 1608124