REFLECTION ZONE:Six Hats

 The White and Red Hats

Today I read the readings from Six Thinking Hats by Edward DeBono while I got my hair cut and highlighted.  I was proud that I could multitask a bit.  I like the idea of being able to think from different perspectives at different times.  The white hat was compared to as paper or a computer that just provides facts and figures without an argument or tone.  It is white, absent of color, because it is neutral.  An example of white hat thinking could be found on the tv show Law and Order when a witness is questioned on the stand.  The witness is to answer questions and state exactly what he/she saw without adding a personal opinion or judgement. The witness must stick to the facts, or the opposing lawyer will object.  White hat facts are either proven facts or unchecked facts, but each are included. The white hat thinkers lay out all the information, like a schoolboy empties his pockets.  Once all the information is put on the table, the next step will be more clear. There should be no conflict during white hat thinking because it is stating the information in a neutral manner.

Red hat thinking was compared to as fire and warmth as it includes expressing feelings and emotions. I-statements would be helpful during this thinking as each member will take ownership for their feelings.  Members will do this without justifying or explaining their reasons for feeling a certain way.  Emotions are embedded in our thinking and decision making whether we admit they are or not. The red hat addresses a time and a need to share and express them.  Wearing the red hat eliminates members guessing what others feel and helps the problem solving process.  The red hat acknowledges the need to share emotions, feelings, hunches, and intuitions freely.

I liked putting the use of these two hats to practice as I explained my conflict to my diversity group.  I think it is an effective way to communicate.  Once we finish reading about all the colored hats, I might find this method valuable in my personal life and professional life.  If there is an opportunity to share this with my sixth grade team I might choose to.