Six Thinking Hats Template
Look at a topic from six different perspectives, one at a time. The Six Thinking Hats method by Edward de Bono makes discussions more structured and decisions more balanced.
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Discussing a decision with Six Thinking Hats
The Collaboard template shows six figures with colored hats, each above its own column with a short description: white, red, black, yellow, green and blue. Sticky notes in the matching color are already placed in each column, so the group can start writing as soon as a hat is put on.
Define the question
Write down the topic or decision the group will look at. Open with the blue hat to agree on the goal and the order of the hats.
Start with the facts
Everyone puts on the white hat and collects facts, figures and open questions about missing information.
Allow feelings
With the red hat, everyone notes their spontaneous gut reaction, without having to justify it.
Weigh risks and benefits
Use the black and yellow hats one after the other: what speaks against it, and what speaks for it?
Look for new ideas
With the green hat, the group develops alternatives and improvements, often in response to the risks from the black hat.
Bring it together
Close with the blue hat: summarize the columns, make a decision and agree on next steps.
What is the Six Thinking Hats method?
The Six Thinking Hats method by Edward de Bono helps a group look at a topic from six clearly separated perspectives. Each hat stands for one way of thinking, and everyone wears the same hat at the same time. That keeps a discussion from turning into a back-and-forth between optimists and critics.
The six hats of the template
The examples follow one illustrative scenario: a team deciding whether to introduce a four-day work week.
- White hat: facts Focus objectively on the available facts and figures. Example: what do pilot studies say about productivity?
- Red hat: feelings Look at the topic with emotion, intuition and gut reaction. Example: excitement, but also worry about workload.
- Black hat: risks Check why something may not work, with logical arguments. Example: customers can't reach anyone on Fridays.
- Yellow hat: benefits Think positively about why something will work. Example: easier recruiting and fewer sick days.
- Green hat: ideas Get creative and find new approaches. Example: staggered days off within the team.
- Blue hat: process Think about the thinking and bring all viewpoints together. Example: agree on a three-month pilot.
If you want to generate ideas without the structure of six perspectives, a classic brainstorming is more open.
Decisions and discussions that benefit from six perspectives
- Difficult decisions Look at an option from every angle before deciding.
- Evaluating ideas Check a proposal for facts, risks, benefits and alternatives.
- Heated discussions Separate emotions and arguments, so both get space.
- Strategy workshops Structure the discussion of a complex topic.
Ground rules for wearing the hats
- Wear the hats together Everyone uses the same hat at the same time. That's what keeps the discussion focused.
- Timebox each hat Two to five minutes per hat are usually enough. The red hat can be even shorter.
- Protect the red hat Feelings don't need reasons. Ask for them without discussing them.
- Don't stop at the black hat Critical thinking is valuable, but always follow it with the yellow and green hats.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Six Thinking Hats template free?
Yes, the Six Thinking Hats template is free to use with a Collaboard account. The free plan includes up to 3 boards and five people per session.
Who developed the Six Thinking Hats method?
The Six Thinking Hats method was developed by Edward de Bono, who introduced it in his book Six Thinking Hats in 1985.
Do we have to use all six thinking hats?
No, depending on the question, you can use only the thinking hats that help.
In what order should the six thinking hats be used?
There is no fixed order for the six thinking hats. Many groups start and end with the blue hat.
Does the Six Thinking Hats method work online?
Yes, the Six Thinking Hats method works online. Each hat gets its own area on the board, and everyone adds notes in real time.
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