mingyao743/make-rational-decision/six-thinking-hats

Six Thinking Hats Analysis

Use this method to examine a problem or decision from six distinct perspectives, ensuring comprehensive coverage and avoiding single-angle blind spots.

When to Use

• Team discussions that tend to default to one mode of thinking
• Complex decisions needing balanced evaluation
• Breaking deadlocks where participants talk past each other
• Any situation where a single perspective has dominated the conversation

The Six Hats

Process

1. Blue Hat — Set the agenda (always start here)

• Define the problem or decision to be analyzed
• Determine the sequence of hats to use (see suggested sequences below)
• Set time limits for each hat session

1. White Hat — Gather facts

• List all known data and information
• Identify information gaps
• Distinguish verified facts from assumptions

1. Red Hat — Express feelings

• Allow each participant to share gut reactions without justification
• Capture emotional responses: excitement, fear, unease, enthusiasm
• No debate or challenge allowed during this phase

1. Black Hat — Assess risks

• Identify potential problems, dangers, and obstacles
• Evaluate what could go wrong with each option
• Challenge feasibility and identify weaknesses

1. Yellow Hat — Explore benefits

• Identify positive outcomes and value opportunities
• Explain why the approach could succeed
• Look for best-case scenarios and upsides

1. Green Hat — Generate alternatives

• Propose creative solutions and workarounds
• Build on ideas from other hats
• Encourage unconventional thinking

1. Blue Hat — Summarize and conclude (always end here)

• Synthesize insights from all hats
• Identify decisions made and actions to take
• Define next steps

Suggested Sequences

• Decision-making: Blue → White → Green → Yellow → Black → Red → Blue
• Problem-solving: Blue → White → Black → Green → Blue
• Creative exploration: Blue → White → Green → Yellow → Black → Blue
• Quick assessment: Blue → White → Red → Blue

Output Format

Present results as a structured table or document:

## Six Thinking Hats Analysis: [Topic]
 
### ⬜ White Hat — Facts
- [List of known facts and data points]
- [Information gaps identified]
 
### 🔴 Red Hat — Emotions
- [Gut reactions and feelings]
 
### ⚫ Black Hat — Risks
- [Potential dangers and obstacles]
 
### 🟡 Yellow Hat — Benefits
- [Positive outcomes and value]
 
### 🟢 Green Hat — Creativity
- [Alternative ideas and approaches]
 
### 🔵 Blue Hat — Conclusion
- [Synthesized insights]
- [Decisions and next steps]

Extensions

This skill is enhanced by the following shared extensions:

• `_shared/diagram-renderer.md` — Mermaid template for rendering the hat sequence diagram
• `_shared/multi-input-protocol.md` — Protocols for collecting hat inputs from multiple participants
• `_shared/skill-workflows.md` — Workflow 3 (Decision-Making Chain) uses Six Hats as the first step
• `_shared/examples-library.md` — Example 1 shows a complete Six Hats analysis

Rules

• Everyone wears the same hat at the same time — no mixing perspectives mid-session
• The Blue Hat manages the process; it does not contribute content except for synthesis
• Red Hat responses must not be challenged or questioned
• Black Hat focuses on logical risks, not emotional negativity (that's Red Hat's job)
• Time-box each hat session to maintain momentum