Which thinking hat do I wear?
- Jun 26, 2017
- 2 min read
We spent time this week learning about 'perturbing' our thought process - that is thinking more broadly and deeply, and reframing our thinking. My utter failure at the some of the tests designed to see how well we could 'think outside the box' during the tutorials made me realize that this an area I need to work on. I find that I am a very rational thinker. This has been highlighted to me throughout my studies in particular. I have always done best in units that have been very based on learning fixed information and done less well in units where the work has focused on broader conceptual ideas. I find my myself getting frustrated during these units and wondering to myself how they will actually help me get a job. However, what I am now learning is that thinking differently is key to how people succeed in their careers. I think about the people around me that I admire and wish i was more like. They are the people that don't just learn how to do something and do it well, they challenge how things are done and try to change them for the better. The key to this skill is in the thinking - not just accepting how things are. I strive to be more like this!
We spent some time examining this video on Dr Edward de Bono's thinking hats. Each hat denotes a different kind of personality type when it comes to thinking laterally. The idea is that we need to learn how to switch hats on occasion to challenge our thinking. So which hat do I naturally wear?
I think that I am bit of a blend of the white, yellow and black hat. I am definitely in my comfort zone working with facts. However, I am able to use these facts to be both critical and positive. I am able to apply some creativity within a framework of facts. Factual creativity if you will! It's a thing I swear. What I am definitely not is a green hat. The idea of starting with a blank page and thinking creatively is terrifying to me. I do find that in the presence of these people that I am able to start exploring creative ideas - I just need someone to get me started. While, I wish that I was more creative, I think it important to remember that everyone has a role to play. All the hats are relevant and the blend of them all working together on an issue is surely the best when seeking a solution.
Which hat are you?
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