I read Six Thinking Hats in a college class and have used it pretty much every day since. Six Thinking Hats suggests that we have six different schools of thought, each with its own weight and perspective.

Each “hat” represents a unique mode of thinking, helping to separate emotions, facts, creativity, and critical assessment. By consciously switching “hats,” you can gain a well-rounded understanding of any issue and make more thoughtful decisions.

I use this in conversation with most people I work closely with—partners, colleagues, friends—to explain concepts, reduce conflict, and improve understanding.

I’ll briefly explain each hat, along with an example of how I might use it in conversation. To start using this in your own thoughts, check out my tips at the end of this article or grab the book from your local library or bookseller.

🌱 Green Hat

New Ideas, Creativity

• Green hat does not judge the viability of new ideas; save that for black/yellow hats.
• Brainstorming solutions, exploring possibilities, finding alternatives
• Let’s wear the green hat and focus on generating new ideas.

🧢 Blue Hat

Big Picture, Management

• Setting agendas, maintaining focus, reviewing progress
• Take a step back and make a game plan. Remember to adjust the plan as you go!
• I’m going to wear my blue hat real quick and get us back on track…

📋 White Hat

Just the Facts, Information

• Gathering data, listing resources, understanding the situation
• Release yourself from making judgement based on the facts; just list the facts.
• Not good or bad necessarily, just true. White hat.

🏴‍☠️ Black Hat

Negatives, Caution

• Identifying risks, acknowledging obstacles, avoiding pitfalls
• It may feel pessimistic, but black hat helps you prepare for the negatives instead of being blindsided.
• What hesitations and concerns can I anticipate with black hat?

❣️ Red Hat

Emotions, Feelings

• Expressing gut feelings, checking in with emotions, understanding intuition
• No need to justify your gut reactions; just acknowledge them.
• I really need these red hat emotions to be heard and validated.

🌻 Yellow Hat

Positives, Optimism

• Highlighting benefits, spotting opportunities, fostering motivation
• Think of this like the Pros in a pro/con list.
• I see a lot of yellow hat positives in that option!

To start implementing Six Thinking Hats in your own thought process, consider these questions:

• When met with a challenge, which hat comes most naturally to you? How can you use that to your advantage in problem solving and creative thinking?
• Which hat comes least naturally to you?
• How can you create space in your life to lean into the kind of thinking that comes naturally to you?
• Consider your least intuitive thinking hat. Who do you know who naturally thinks that way?