I really like this book by Edward de Bono, but I don’t think we use the principles enough. In this book de Bono sets out a system where we can all look at the problem from the same point of view.
Many times, when we have a discussion, we think we are approaching the problem from the same point of view, but we are not.
One person might be looking at the problem from the point of view of cost, another might be looking at the problem from the point of view of value, and yet another might be looking at it with a positive perspective. It’s not surprising they can’t agree.
de Bono sets out a structured way of looking at a problem so that each person is looking at the problem from the same point of view. For example, the white hat is to do with facts and figures. So everybody in the meeting has to look at the problem from the point of you with the facts and figures. What are the facts, what do we know about for sure, what information can we find out about this?
When using a structured system, everybody looks at this problem from the same point of view. This avoids arguments where people looking at the issue from different points of view, and should allow people to suggest creative solutions at the correct time.
This is an excellent system when it comes to group assignments or group work. Having everybody “on the same page” or looking at the problem from the same point of view is a great way to make the group work productive.
I’m a big fan of this book and I was surprised to find out that this system is actually taught in our primary schools. It’s a shame that most of my territory students can’t remember what the system is although a lot of them seem to remember the coloured hats.
Here are the notes I took while I was reading the book. I was obviously reading this book on the plane because these notes from the back of my boarding pass (I was off to Sydney, so I guess I had a bit of time).
