THINKING

 THINKING

Why is it important to think from a variety of perspectives?

What kinds of superpowers can you harness by thinking differently?

What are the various ways people use their intelligence?

 

Accomplishing something big often requires new approaches to thinking. An observation usually attributed to Albert Einstein posits, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” And this of course makes perfect sense. So often, we adopt a particular perspective at work, in our out any approach that doesn’t fit into that viewpoint. But there are two key problems with that. One is that all perspectives should be challenged on a regular basis to confirm that they are still viable. For example, so often when a company is mired in one approach to the

marketplace that it couldn’t see that the audience they were targeting was no longer as responsive as they once were. The second problem a fixed perspective faces Is that challenges are often the product of a particular type of thinking, and the answers can be found only by bringing a fresh approach to the table.

Why do most of us have a restricted range of thinking? I think the answer is the same as it was when we were discussing focus: because we somehow missed out on “thinking class” when we were in school. Fortunately, it’s never too late to attend that class, and I’m going to unroll you in it right now.

THE THINKING HATS

Dr. Edward DE Bond devised the concept of the “six thinking hats” as a tool for getting out of whatever rut of thinking one might be mired in. Regularly used to help groups problem-solve in a more productive way, it is easily adapted by any individuals hoping to keep their thinking fresh. The core notion is to separate thinking into six distinctly defined functions by progressively donning a series of metaphorical hats:

Ø You put on a white hat when you’re in information gathering mode. At this point, your focus is on collecting details and getting all the facts you’ll need to address whatever issue you’re trying to address. To help you remember this, think of a white lab coat.

Ø You switch to a yellow hat to bring optimism to your thinking. Here, you’re typing to identify the positives in any problem or challenges you’re facing, highlighting the value inherently in place. As your memory tip here, think of the yellow sun.

Ø Next, you’ll wear a black hat to pivot from looking at the good side of the challenge to facing its difficulties and pitfalls. This is where you’ll come face to face with the consequences of failing to successfully address a problem. Memory tip: Think about a judge’s robe.