Six Thinking Hats – Edward de Bono

Very precise, practical and influential book at the same time in a great way, loved it, a must read for everyone!!

Take a ways:

1.     If we are used to thinking in one particular way in most of the situations say emotional thinking, cautious thinking the book challenges us to think in other ways that is needed for  complete planning and  right action

2.    Gives clarity of thinking by advising us to ask the right questions and by gathering all the elements like the information, emotion, creativity, blocking points etc. when you are thinking for yourself as well as in collective thinking (for each other and others)

3.  Reduces the time taken in conducting the meetings and coming to decisions as the direction in which we need to think is clearly defined and the thinkers are to switch the hats to alternative ways of thinking

4.   Evades arguments and clash of interest. Here all of the possibilities are laid in front of thinkers to clearly analyse in a one direction at a given time rather than in different directions

5.  Most importantly it is about this topic “thinking” which we fail to do when we should do in place of prejudices, impulsive, limited choices thus making us better thinkers and decision makers (also in discussions)

6.  The method suggested has a very broad scope as it can be implemented in varied fields as well as in personal life

7.  Human brain, even in daily situations is involved in a lot of thinking that is often not focused so can go astray if left totally without control. However in the book we are suggested to think about our thinking which is like reminding ourselves why we are thinking, what is it about, is it apt and what is the purpose

8.  Easy to remember and follow technique