Using Six Thinking Hats as a Tool for Lateral Thinking in Organizational Problem Solving

Abstract

Six thinking hats is recently introduced technique which outlines different thinking styles required by an individual while analysing a given problem in an effective way. The technique correlates different thinking styles used in a systematic problem-solving procedure with different coloured hats. Alternately, by conceptualizing each type of hat, the person focuses on the style of thinking associated with each colour so that the problem can be analysed from different angles and frame of references. This method supports lateral thinking possibilities and new outcomes during problem-solving session so that the optimum solution can be found out. In this paper, we have discussed how to adopt six thinking hats technique in organizational problem-solving process. Each of the six thinking hats may also be conceived to be an independent entity in the thinking process and such attributes contribute to predominant personality trait distinguishable with various categories of persons. Such for instance, are thinking styles associated with typical administrators, religious leaders, politicians, scientists, and managers. The importance of six thinking hats technique in individual and group thinking in solving organizational problems is discussed. The paper also contains the attitudinal relationship in decision making using six thinking hat technique, personality types associated with thinking hats process, and use of this technique in organizational problem solving methods.

Keywords: Six Thinking Hats Technique, Organizational Decision Making & Managerial Problem Solving