Parallel Thinking for Problem Solving Using Six Thinking Hats

Rod Baxter, Principal, Value Generation Partners, Naples, FL, USA

Keywords: Problem Solving

Industry: All

Level: Basic

Abstract

Overview of Parallel Thinking (Six Thinking Hats)

-- What it is and what it is not (not Group Think)

-- Why used - chaos versus order - focus, efficiency, productivity, etc.

-- When used - strategic planning, project management, problem solving, effective meetings, etc.

Parallel Thinking Small-Group Exercise

-- Groups of three – groups with same hat and groups with different hats

---- Groups conduct exercise

---- Debrief at group level (what went well, what could have gone better)

---- Debrief at large group level (what went well, what could have gone better)

Parallel Thinking Methods, Tools, and Uses

-- Large-group brainstorming