ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on Edward de Bono's concept of the six thinking hats, namely black hat, white hat, red hat, yellow hat, green hat, and blue hat. Each of the hats represents a different way of thinking about the basic challenge: recovery from disaster. The chapter also considers many aspects of strategic management, seen though different lenses, or by wearing varied hats. De Bono's black hat is associated with negative factors, dangers, difficulties, weaknesses, the need to be a devil's advocate or make a judgement, and the explanation of why a given approach is bound to fail. De Bono termed this approach discernment. The yellow hat symbolises an optimistic response to problems. The optimistic thinker explores positive elements with a sense of brightness. He or she searches for opportunities, emphasises strengths, and seeks positive value and benefit. The green hat represents thinking about creativity. The blue hat is about strategic management.
