Six Thinking Hats
What is a Six Thinking Hats template?
A Six Thinking Hats template helps teams analyze a problem from six different perspectives instead of focusing on a single viewpoint. Developed by Edward de Bono, the method encourages structured thinking by separating discussions into facts, emotions, risks, benefits, creativity, and process.
Instead of assigning one hat to each person, the team works through all six thinking styles together to explore the problem from multiple angles before making a decision.
About this Vani Six Thinking Hats template
Vani's Six Thinking Hats template provides dedicated sections for the problem statement and each thinking hat, making it easy for everyone to contribute ideas from every perspective.
The team works through all six thinking styles together, capturing everyone's input under the corresponding hat before moving to the next perspective. This helps teams stay organized, keep discussions balanced, and explore the problem thoroughly before deciding on the next steps.
How to use this template
- Add the template to your Vani SpaceFind the Six Thinking Hats template in the library and click the Use template button.
- Define the problem statementClearly describe the problem, decision, or topic the team will explore.
- Work through each thinking hatAs a team, discuss the problem under each of the six thinking hats and capture everyone's ideas before moving to the next perspective.
- Discuss and refine ideasReview the inputs together, identify patterns, and clarify important insights before making a decision.
- Decide on the next stepsSummarize the discussion, agree on a direction, and assign follow-up actions where needed.
When to use this Six Thinking Hats template
You can use this template whenever your team needs a structured approach to explore ideas and make better decisions. Common use cases include:
- Brainstorming: Generate ideas by exploring multiple perspectives instead of focusing on a single solution.
- Decision-making: Evaluate options objectively before choosing the best course of action.
- Problem-solving: Understand challenges from different viewpoints to identify well-rounded solutions.
- Strategy discussions: Encourage balanced thinking when planning initiatives or evaluating opportunities.
- Team workshops: Guide collaborative discussions and ensure every perspective is considered.
Why use Vani's Six Thinking Hats template?
- Guided discussions: Explore one perspective at a time to keep conversations focused.
- Balanced thinking: Consider facts, risks, opportunities, emotions, and creative ideas before making decisions.
- Shared workspace: Capture ideas from the entire team in one collaborative visual space.
- Organized perspectives: Keep every idea grouped under its corresponding thinking hat.
- Flexible framework: Adapt the method to different teams, topics, and decision-making processes.