Small Business Six Hats Solution
Small Business Six Hats Solution*
Nobody can fashion hats like a business man
Ferey Kian ©
Kian Finance Authority
While the concept I’m presenting isn’t an original idea and has been utilized in various fields like management and mind-mapping, I believe it holds significant value for small business owners. Although additional sources can provide more in-depth information, the essence of this concept is to address a common challenge faced by small business proprietors.
Many small business owners find themselves attempting to manage every aspect of their business independently. While this approach may yield results initially, it becomes precarious during crises, lacking the support system needed for effective resolution. This blog diverges from discussing businesses that adopt such an isolated approach.
For optimal business improvement, it’s crucial to embrace diverse perspectives. Introducing Edward de Bono’s Six Hats Method for the business environment, this concept proves instrumental in facilitating decision-making, especially for solitary entrepreneurs.
By employing this method, a small business owner steps outside their customary expertise, systematically examining an issue from various angles. The ability to discern between these perspectives enhances the depth and comprehensiveness of understanding, empowering informed decision-making even in solo endeavors.
- White Hat: Objective and factual; it addresses data, statistics, and the unknown.
- Red Hat: Emotional and intuitive; it mirrors instincts and feelings.
- Black Hat: Cautious and critical; it emphasizes weaknesses and potential pitfalls.
- Yellow Hat: Optimistic and hopeful; it concentrates on positivity and favorable outcomes.
- Green Hat: Creative and innovative; it revolves around generating fresh ideas.
- Blue Hat: Managerial and organizational; it oversees the thinking process and directs how the other hats are employed.
1- Blue Hat – Business Organization:
Assuming the role of the blue hat entails organizing business needs. Responsibilities include clarifying the current situation, defining boundaries, deciding on the sequence and utilization of other hats, and overseeing the entire process until a satisfactory solution is attained. Therefore, the small business owner commences and concludes the process with the blue hat.
2- White Hat – Objective Facts and Figures:
The white hat serves as a tool for maintaining objectivity and avoiding biases. Wearing the white hat involves adopting an impartial viewpoint, tasked with compiling a list of established facts and identifying any valuable missing information. It’s advised not to employ this hat for refining goals to prevent introducing uncertainties.
3- Red Hat – Emotional Insights:
Similar to customers making emotionally-driven purchases, decisions in business can be influenced by emotions. The red hat prompts an exploration of feelings and intuition, encompassing both positive and negative aspects. It recognizes the role of emotions in decision-making, acknowledging their impact on choices.
4- Black Hat – Caution and Critical Thinking:
While essential, the black hat should not hinder progress. Awareness is crucial to avoid excessive caution, especially when others wear their black hats, potentially stifling creative ideas. When donning the black hat, approach matters with caution, seeking reasons to hold back. The focus is on identifying weaknesses in available choices, with a careful balance to avoid inaction.
5- Yellow Hat – Optimism and Positive Thinking
Wearing the yellow hat allows one to see the bright side in any situation, fostering an optimistic perspective. This hat focuses on potential positive outcomes of actions and proves valuable for innovative endeavors. While the green hat complements the yellow one, it’s essential not to turn hat choices into mere fashion statements.
6- Green Hat – Fostering Creativity:
When adorned with the green visor, the task is to explore fresh and innovative ideas, even if feasibility remains uncertain. Encouraging thinking beyond conventional boundaries, the green visor prompts a creative approach. Consider implementing designated green visor time for everyone in the business, encouraging idea-sharing with a positive, yellow-visor perspective.
The Six Hat Perspective can be worn in different sequence., but be aware of which you have on, because chances are, just like out favorite shoes, we may be using 20% of our hats, 80% of the time. So rearrange your closet once in a while and you may find the right hat any day.
*To see the concept introduced by Edward De Bone used in this blog in more details;
http://www.valuebasedmanagement.net/methods_bono_six_thinking_hats.html
and http://www.12manage.com/methods_bono_six_thinking_hats.html
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/main/newMN_TED.htm
the first business owner showing up—and selling caps, was Pezo who sold hats, take a 10 minutes break some time: Just for fun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INptSCKqdfg