Decisions: The Hats

A while back when I was attending a training on communication, I came across the Six Thinking Hats-model.



This model was developed by Edward de Bono and its aim is to include different types of thinking when making a decision. I was using this model in a group, but believe that this model can be applied in individual decision-making as well, considering that it draws attention to different approaches to a problem.

Each hat corresponds to one type of thinking (see Wikipedia for more):

• Information (White) - considering purely what information is available, what are the facts?
• Emotions (Red) - intuitive or instinctive gut reactions or statements of emotional feeling (but not any justification)
• Discernment (Black) - logic applied to identifying reasons to be cautious and conservative
• Optimistic response (Yellow) - logic applied to identifying benefits, seeking harmony
• Creativity (Green) - statements of provocation and investigation, seeing where a thought goes

The blue hat is that of the facilitator – it is there to give direction to the process. So, how are these hats used?

The brainstorming session or meeting begins with the blue hat. After that the hats are “used” in turns (the facilitator decides which hat is currently on) for a short while and all the participators are requested to think in terms of that specific colour.

My experience about this model is positive: I like the way it takes into accounts such aspects as optimism and creativity, and the way that the colours are balanced. It also captures a wide range of factors that may occur once the decision is made (risks and benefits are taken into account) in an out-of-the-box way. It can be beneficial in the beginning of a decision-making process, while the brainstorming is still taking place. I mentioned above that I think this can be applied to individual decision-making, and I’m sure it can but that it requires extra work. It tends to be easier if there is someone external directing the thoughts (when they need to fall into one specific group).

Have you ever tried the hats? What did you think?

Reflections on Creativity

On New Year’s Eve I had an interesting discussion with a friend of mine about creativity. Most people – yours truly included (in the past) – seem to think that creativity is linked to art or to the skill of producing things with your hands. As creativity is one of my keywords for 2014, this is one topic I would like to dig my teeth into a bit further.

I would like to disagree. After spending most of my life being sad about the fact that I’m not a creative person, I have now reached the conclusion that the problem is not me being uncreative. Rather, the problem lies with my definition of being creative and creativity. True, I will never be able to create music or wrap the most amazing presents. My near and dear ones should not expect to receive anything handmade from me – not even a cupcake.

However, think of any problem you have ever had. What is required from you to find a solution? The answer is creativity. What do you do when you process new information or prepare a project? Again, creativity. How about decision-making? What is needed in order for a good decision to be made? One that is not only rational but also takes into account different emotional aspects and consequences? I think you can guess by now!

I could write so much about this topic, but for now I would just like to conclude that the definition of creativity is wide and it can be applied into so many areas of life and human functioning. One last thought: even though one isn’t very good with their hands (as is the case with me and cupcakes), there is no point in not trying. The result might not be so good, but at least the process of creating might be fun.

What are your thoughts on creativity?

Veggies And General Ponderings On A Saturday

First I must tell you all about an extremely delicious dish I threw together yesterday. All you need is a little bit of sweet potato, 1/2 carrot, 1 small onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 pepper, chickpeas and spinach. Season with pepper, coriander and curry.’ (serves 2)


I was supposed to go to a yoga class today. It was a class I had really looking forward to because we were going to practice basic techniques. The buzzing and humming in my ears and the black spots in my eyes started 10 minutes after that class had started. In order to avoid fainting right there and then, I decided to pack my stuff and leave. What a pity! So, I’m spending this Saturday freezing and with a sore head in bed, reading this:

Neurotic? Me? Noooo…

So, since we are doing a module in Personality Psychology at the moment, I thought it’d be fun to check my scores on the Five-Factor Model.

This is what I’m like (apparently) compared to other participants:

Extraversion – about average. (score: 31)

Agreeableness – relatively high. (score: 34)

Conscientiousness – about average. (score: 33)

Neuroticism – relatively high. (score: 27)

Openness – relatively high.  (score: 32)

 

If you want to try the test yourself, you can find it here!

Disaster Psychology

This weekend I was occupied with a course in disaster psychology, this specific module was focusing on catastrophes. We talked about a lot things that were interesting, horrifying and touching at the same time. Seeing all the terrible things that people go through, and survive, gives a certain feeling of amazement and hope: we are so much more stronger when we get the right kind of help. Disaster psychology is a field of psychology that concentrates on the survivors and how to help them. It was refreshing to get a more practical approach to psychology instead of all the theory that forms such a great part of psychology studies: the theory is interesting, but my wild guess is that most people study this specific subject in order to understand people, to help them. I definitely think I will study this field more.

The lecturer, a woman who is specialized in this kind of work, also gave us the “quote of the day” – a quote that does not only relate to disasters, but which can also be applied to most aspects in life:

If you want to see the world, and experience all it has to offer, you will need two things: humility and respect. If you lack these qualities, you’d better stay in your little village and gossip about your neighbours.