problems

Solve Problems Using the Six Thinking Hats

Leave a Comment / problems / By Adam Sicinski

Do you have a difficult problem that needs to get solved, but just don’t quite know where to begin? Well, how about using the six thinking hats? This problem solving model was first introduced by Edward de Bono in 1985. It uses the idea of six problem solving mindsets that we can utilize to help us work through our problems more effectively. These mindsets are tied to what de Bono describes as the Six Thinking Hats. Each hat plays a different role and brings to the table various perspectives that can help bring about a solution to the problem at hand. Here is a breakdown of the roles, objectives and purpose behind each of the six thinking hats.

1) THE MANAGERIAL BLUE HAT

The role of the Managerial Blue Hat is to act as a director. It essentially manages all the other hats and ensures that an adequate solution to the problem is found. Its other primary responsibilities involve defining the problem, gathering insights and information, encouraging the flow of ideas, managing time sensitive issues, and moving from an idea to the implementation of that idea in the most effective and efficient way possible. The Blue Hat’s main objectives are therefore to organize ideas, plans and future actions, based on the input it gathers from the other thinking hats.

2) THE NEUTRAL WHITE HAT

How to Use the Six Thinking Hats Technique

The role of the Neutral White Hat is to act as a detective. Its main objective is to explore the facts of the problem in an unbiased and neutral way. This essentially means collecting relevant information, stats and data surrounding the problem. This hat isn’t interested in beliefs, assumptions or opinions. It’s only interested in solid concrete information that can be proven and measured. However, in order to perform this role it must stay objective. It cannot allow itself to get emotionally involved because that would simply corrupt the data. Like a detective, it stays neutral and very open to the possibilities that may exist.

3) THE INTUITIVE RED HAT

The role of the Intuitive Red Hat is to act as the heart. Its main objective is to seek intuitive answers to the problem at hand. It does this by tuning into its internal feelings that can often lead to insights and hunches. Its purpose is to unlock ideas that come from the intuitive heart, rather than from the intellectual head. It therefore preferences using its instincts to formulate ideas that can help move the problem forward. Feelings of course don’t always need to make intellectual sense. The Red Hat therefore never feels compelled to justify its feelings or to rationalize the contribution it makes toward solving the problem.

4) THE PESSIMISTIC BLACK HAT

5) THE OPTIMISTIC YELLOW HAT

The role of the Optimistic Yellow Hat is to act as a sun, or a beacon of light that symbolizes faith and hope. It’s main objective is to take every idea on board and build a case as to why it will succeed, and how it can potentially be implemented. It therefore always looks for the opportunities that may arise from the implementation of an idea. The Yellow Hat of course takes into account the risks, while also assessing the feasibility of getting an idea off the ground. It always however favors possibilities. If there is a will, then the Yellow Hat will always find a way to make things work, irrelevant of the drawbacks that may come to light.

6) THE CREATIVE GREEN HAT

The role of the Creative Green Hat is to act as a seedling. Its main objective is to explore new perspectives and creative ideas that can lead to interesting insights and breakthroughs in thinking. The Green Hat consistently challenges itself to expand possibilities by searching for unique and different ways of doing things. This of course means that they don’t follow traditional rules of thinking, or adhere to standard practices of how things should be done. There are in fact no rules where they’re concerned. The Green Hat will therefore bring many crazy and wacky ideas to the table. Most ideas probably won’t be viable, but some certainly will.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Using the six thinking hats to solve your life problems can provide you with the insights you need to take an idea from conception to implementation.

The six thinking hats are most often used within team environments for group brainstorming purposes, however they can also be used by individuals who are trying to work through a problem.

Working through the six thinking hats would simply involve mentally switching between each of the hats as you explore your problem. This will of course take practice. Each hat brings with it a very different approach to problem solving. Clearly understanding the role and objectives of each of the six thinking hats in advance, can help you to utilize them in more optimal ways as you work through your problem.

The Six Thinking Hats Problem Solving Model

Imagine for a moment you could develop new habits and methods of thinking where you naturally and effortlessly adopt these ideas into your life. How would that make you feel? Would you feel more fulfilled, empowered and in control?

Yes, there is such simplicity within this IQ Doodle, but of course there is a reason for that. Making positive change doesn’t need to be a complicated process. It just needs to be a consistent process where we progressively develop new habits-of-mind through repeated exposure and implementation. And that’s what these IQ Doodles are for.

We have prepared for you an IQ Doodle pack that includes several variations of this IQ Doodle that you can use for guidance and inspiration throughout the day. Use it consistently and you will begin making positive changes in the way you live, work and interact with others.

Visit the IQ Doodle Store to learn more about how to use this IQ Doodle and begin optimizing the way you live your life today.

Learn More About this Topic

Want to know more about this topic? Here are some helpful links to articles that you may find of value:

Boost Your Brainstorming with the 6 Thinking Hats Method @ Lifehacker
How to Solve Problems Using the 6 Thinking Hats @ IQ Matrix

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The Experimental Art of Problem Solving

1 Comment / problems / By Adam Sicinski

Great scientific minds have been attempting to solve problems for centuries. At times they have been successful, which has helped humanity move forward. At other times though they made mistakes. But instead of giving up, they took the time to learn from those failed experiments, which of course helped them gain valuable insights. They subsequently adapted their approach and made further breakthroughs. Scientists are certainly a persistent bunch. It could be said that they have a knack for the art of problem solving. If only we could solve our life problems in this way. Just imagine the possibilities.

1) LEARN ABOUT YOUR PROBLEM

In order to master the art of problem solving you need to thoroughly understand the nature of your problem. Before scientists even begin their experiments they learn everything they can about their problem. They want to understand their problem inside-out. Without a clear understanding of their problem they simply won’t know how to proceed or what kind of experiments to run. But it’s of course not enough to just understand the problem at hand. You must also get very clear as to why this is a problem in the first place. Furthermore, you must outline what value having this problem brings to your life.

2) QUESTION YOUR CHOICES AND METHODS

To successfully master the art of problem solving we need to understand the power of the choices we make. To a scientist, the results of every experiment come down to the choices that were made. Good choices lead to progress, while poor choices lead to further problems. Given this, a scientist clearly understands that they are the reason why they still have a problem on their hands. We therefore essentially become our problem. Our life problems exist because of the past choices that were made that led us to this moment. To now solve this problem, we need to make some better choices that can help us move forward in more optimal ways.

3) IDENTIFY PATTERNS AND RELATIONSHIPS

The art of problem solving requires deep thought and contemplation. It requires an awareness of our predicament and surroundings. Scientists do this by looking for patterns and relationships that can help them piece together different aspects of their problem. This subsequently provides them with deeper insights and understandings into the nature of their problem. And of course ideas soon evolve and help them move forward with their experiments. We too must look for patterns and for relationships between things. Patterns help us predict what will happen next, while relationships help us form new associations.

4) QUESTION YOUR ASSUMPTIONS

To master the art of problem solving requires being very vigilant of the assumptions we make. Scientists of course rarely have all the answers they need to solve their problem. They therefore make various assumptions about different aspects of their problem. If their assumptions are correct, then this helps them make progress with their experiments. On the other hand, if their assumptions are incorrect, this can very easily lead them astray. The same is of course true for us while attempting to solve our life problems. You either question the assumptions you make, or allow them to mislead you in the wrong direction.

5) POSE “WHAT IF” SCENARIOS

To gain most from the art of problem solving requires working with possibilities. Possibilities naturally evolve when you pose “what if” scenarios. Whenever a scientist reaches an impasse, they quickly search for possibilities that can help them move forward with their experiment. In such instances they start asking “what if” questions. What if I thought about this differently? What if this wasn’t a problem at all? What if this wasn’t part of the problem? What if I tried that instead? Asking these types of questions can help us to view our problem in a different light — allowing us to break through the boundaries of what’s possible.

6) BRAINSTORM HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM

Mastering the art of problem solving requires a lot of experimentation. In fact, it requires a great deal of trial and error. And this is exactly how scientists operate. They test, measure and experiment. They understand that the more they know about what doesn’t work, the closer they are to a solution. It is said that Thomas Edison conducted over 10,000 experiments before he finally created a working light-bulb. Each failed experiment helped him learn and adapt his approach until he finally figured it out. And that’s how it is with life. Always brainstorm many ideas and run copious experiments. You will eventually hit the jackpot.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Committing yourself to the art of problem solving requires a great deal of patience, self-discipline, attention to detail, and perseverance. These are after all the qualities that make scientists so successful. They of course work copious hours behind the scenes, and yet we only hear about their successes. What we don’t hear about are all the failed attempts that led to that breakthrough.

Solving your life problems often follows the same sort of trajectory. You will make a lot of mistakes. You will then learn from those mistakes and adjust your approach accordingly. Then after a lot or patience, self-discipline, attention to detail, and perseverance, you will finally get your breakthrough. Others will say it was easy, but you will of course know better. The art of problem solving is never easy, which is why not a great many people will every master it.

The Six Step Experimental Art of Problem Solving

Visit the IQ Doodle Store to learn more about how to use this IQ Doodle and begin optimizing the way you live your life today.

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Want to know more about this topic? Here are some helpful links to articles that you may find of value:

7 Lessons Learned Spending Years Trying to Improve Every Aspect of my Life @ Business Insider
Drawing Upon Your Own Life Experiments @ CNN
How to Treat Life Like an Experiment @ The Art of Manliness
Life is an Experiment: Improving Life Through Experimentation @ IQ Matrix
Live Life as an Experiment @ Harvard Business Review

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How to Solve Life Problems

3 Comments / problems / By Adam Sicinski

Do you know how to solve life problems? Life is of course full of problems. In fact, it’s so full of problems that at times it seems as though solving one problem creates a new problem. But having problems is a necessary part of life. And living life in optimal ways requires understanding how to solve life problems. In fact, it could be said that those who successfully work through their problems live a happier, more fulfilling and rewarding life. But how to solve life problems? Is there a formula for solving all of life’s problems? Well, maybe not a formula, but using the following six steps can definitely bring some value.

1) TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PROBLEM

Okay, something unexpected just happened, and you now have this big problem on your hands. Yes, absolutely life is unfair. This is just such an inconvenience. In fact, you don’t even deserve this, and you certainly don’t have the time to deal with this problem. Right now, you kind of just want to crawl under a rock — hoping in your heart that this problem will just go away. But what good will that do? What good will it do to blame, complain or make excuses? You have this problem because life has something of value to teach you. With this in mind, take responsibility and use the problem as a challenge to get better.

2) AVOID MAKING ASSUMPTIONS

Having taken full responsibility for you problem, you are now in the right frame-of-mind to begin solving it. The best place to start is of course to use the lessons from solving past problems and applying them to your current predicament. Our past can certainly provide us with many valuable insights and clues to help us in the present moment. However, it’s important that we keep in mind that what worked in the past, may not necessarily work right now. Yes, certainly use the lessons from the past on how to solve life problems and try to apply them to your current problem, however stay vigilant and aware that other possibilities may also exist.

3) TURN YOUR PROBLEM INTO A QUESTION

Thinking about how to solve life problems always begins with proper perspective. However, in order to gain proper perspective you need to ask the right questions. This all of course begins the moment you decide to turn your problem into a question and start restating it in a variety of ways. This is advantageous because asking a question brings along with it possibilities and answers. It encourages us to focus on solutions rather than getting lost within the intricacies of our problem. Asking one question of course brings to mind other possible questions. And with every question asked you gain deeper insights that can help you solve your life problems.

4) SEEK ALTERNATIVE PERSPECTIVES

How to Solve your life problems: 6 Quick and Powerful Tips

While trying to solve your life problems you may at times get stuck. You will reach a point where you just run out of ideas and just don’t quite know how to proceed. This is the point where you need to look for alternative perspectives that will help shift your view of the problem. Books can of course be of tremendous value. Throughout history people have been solving all sorts of problems. Learn from them and use their stories of struggle and triumph on how to solve life problems in your own life. Likewise ask the people in your life for their input, ideas and suggestions. Their unique life experiences might help you see your problem in a more favorable light.

5) THINK IN PICTURES

Here is an Effective Method for Solving Your Life Problems

If ever you’re struggling to solve your life problems, it can be helpful to start thinking in pictures. Pictures will help you to bring your thoughts to life on paper in front of your eyes. Once there, you can begin playing with your thoughts, exploring your thoughts, and even re-imagining them on paper in a variety of ways. Doing so will help you assess your problem from unique vantage points and perspectives that may lead to incredible breakthroughs and ideas. You can of course do this using doodles, mind maps, metaphors and diagrams. Just tap into your inner child and allow your imagination run wild.

6) PONDER OVER YOUR PROBLEM

Sometimes the harder we try to solve our life problems, the less progress we seem to make. If you ever reach that point, then it can be helpful to step back from trying so hard, and instead spend time pondering over your problem in a variety of ways. To ponder over a problem requires putting yourself into a relaxed state-of-mind, and then just allowing your imagination to go to work. You can of course do this while lying in bed, walking along the beach, or while meditating. Sometimes it just takes time to solve a problem. You need to give your ideas the space to manifest, to grow and expand in your imagination.

HOW TO SOLVE LIFE PROBLEMS SUMMARY

So there you have it. Those are the steps you need to take on how to solve life problems. It’s not quite a fullproof formula, but using these six steps can certainly help you work through your life problems far more effectively. Some problems will of course take a little more time and effort to solve. Just maybe you might not even be able to solve all of them. You might very well fail time and again. But within every failure there is the seed of opportunity to learn and grow from every experience that will help you to solve your life problems in better ways.

Imagine for a moment you could develop new habits and methods of thinking where you naturally and effortlessly adopt these ideas into your life on how to solve life problems. How would that make you feel? Would you feel more fulfilled, empowered and in control?

We have prepared for you an IQ Doodle pack that includes several variations of this IQ Doodle that you can use for guidance and inspiration on how to solve life problems. Use it consistently and you will begin making positive changes in the way you live, work and interact with others.

Visit the IQ Doodle Store to learn more about how to use this IQ Doodle on how to solve life problems and begin optimizing the way you live your life today.

Learn More About this Topic

Want to know more about this topic? Here are some helpful links to articles that you may find of value:

5 Problem Solving Techniques for Every Aspect of Life @ Fast Company
Here is an Effective Method for Solving All Your Problems @ IQ Matrix
How to Solve Problems Like an Expert @ Psychology Today
Need to Solve a Problem? Dreaming May Help @ Inc.
The Problem Solving Paradox of Creativity @ The Creativity Post

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How to Solve a Problem Using Six Steps

1 Comment / problems / By Adam Sicinski

What does it take to become a great problem solver, and why is it so important? More specifically, what does it actually take to solve a problem? Problem solving is of course something that we do every single day. Life is full of problems, and in order to live life in optimal ways we must successfully overcome these problems. The level of happiness and fulfilment we experience is essentially tied to our ability to solve problems effectively. But is there a method or a process of steps we could take that would help us solve a problem? Well there actually is, and it requires working through six key phases.

1) THE PREPARATION PHASE

The preparation phase requires getting to know your problem at an intimate level. Begin by defining your problem in writing and then highlighting possible causes and desired outcomes. In order to solve your problem you need to be very clear about the nature of your problem. You must understand the What, When, Where, Why, Who and the How of your problem. For instance, ask yourself, what happened? When did it happen? Where did it happen? Why did it happen? How did it happen? And, who was involved? When you’re done, turn your problem into a question before launching into the next phase of this process.

2) THE GENERATION PHASE

Now that you have clearly defined your problem, it’s time to move onto the generation phase. This phase of the problem solving process involves brainstorming ideas that can potentially help you to successfully solve your problem. Your first objective is of course to list down as many ideas as possible, without judgment or criticism. Just list whatever ideas come to mind. Having completed this list, your next task is to take into consideration the benefits of each solution and the possible drawbacks that may arise. However, don’t allow drawbacks to dishearten you at this early stage of the problem solving process.

3) THE INCUBATION PHASE

To solve a problem successfully often requires a lot of time and patience. Within the previous phase you spent a great deal of mental energy coming up with ideas and solutions. Your brain now needs time to process this information. This is where the incubation phase comes into play. Here within this phase of the process, you need to completely step away from your problem and indulge in a brainstorming nap. A brainstorming nap simply involves lying down with your eyes closed and just allowing your thoughts to drift. This allows your brain to go to work making new connections and associations.

4) THE EVOLUTION PHASE

Having completed your brainstorming nap, you should now feel mentally refreshed and maybe even quite inspired. It’s time to put this energy to good use within the evolution phase. This phase of the problem solving process involves the evaluation of potential solutions. Here you would spend time reviewing all your ideas, combining ideas, prioritizing ideas, and then eventually deciding upon a single idea for implementation. It’s important to also take into account potential scenarios that might result from moving forward with one idea over another, and the opportunity costs that might arise.

5) THE IMPLEMENTATION PHASE

Having reached the implementation phase, you should now have one single idea in mind that will hopefully get you your desired outcome. It’s important though that you are very clear about what it is you want to accomplish, and how this idea will help bring that vision to life. Consider also the resources, tools and the support you might need to put this idea into action. How can all these elements be used to solve your problem most effectively? Also take into consideration possible obstacles you might face and how you could potentially overcome them. Only then should you settle on outlining a plan of action.

6) THE LEARNING PHASE

The final phase for solving a problem typically comes after the problem. This is of course the learning phase where we learn from our experience and use it as a platform that helps us work through future problems far more effectively. But the real learning phase actually begins while we are still working through the problem. We learn from our actions when we take the time to actually monitor our progress. Understanding what works and what doesn’t work can help us make more effective choices. We learn from these experiences and then adjust our course of action while still working on the actual problem.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Solving a problem can very quickly become a time consuming experience. However, it’s something that we can certainly get more proficient at with practice. Understanding each phase of this process is of course a great start, however problem solving also requires patience, self-discipline, determination and creativity.

Great problem solvers are also flexible and willing to adapt to changing conditions and circumstances. Moreover, they understand that what worked in the past may very well not work in the present moment, or apply to this particular problem. As such, it’s important that we are always vigilant of our unhelpful assumptions. Never allow these assumptions to lead you astray.

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Want to know more about this topic? Here are some helpful links to articles that you may find of value:

5 Ways to Solve All Your Problems @ Psych Central
16 Practical Tips for Solving Your Problems More Easily @ The Positivity Blog
Einstein’s Secret to Amazing Problem Solving @ Litemind
How to Become a Better Problem Solver @ IQ Matrix
How to Solve Any Problem by Asking 5 Questions @ Inc.

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How to Think More Creatively

1 Comment / problems / By Adam Sicinski

Have you ever considered what it takes to think more creatively, and how that might be of value? There are of course some people who just seem to have a creative knack for getting things done. These people always seem to come up with brilliant ideas for solving problems and for achieving their goals. Then there are other people who just don’t seem to have a creative bone in their body. Why is that? Are we simply born creative? Is creativity only bestowed upon a few lucky individuals? Or is it something that we can learn to develop over time? The answer to that question is a resounding YES, and here are six ways to get started.

1) ASK INSIGHTFUL QUESTIONS

To think more creatively you must begin utilizing questions far more effectively. Questions are of course vital because they help unlock answers that lead to new understandings, insights and perspectives. This subsequently generates new possibilities that you can use to your advantage to move forward in a better way. However, when facing a problem we sometimes just don’t know what questions to ask. In such instances, ask yourself what questions it might be helpful to ask in this situation. Then ask those questions. One question will lead to the next, and eventually creative ideas will come.

2) PLAY WITH IDEAS

Thinking more creatively requires a lighthearted approach to living. In other words, stop taking things so seriously. Moreover, stop taking yourself so seriously. To think more creatively you need to loosen up a bit and have a little fun. This of course requires tackling every challenge in a lighthearted, playful and imaginative way. Creative ideas will only come to you when you’re enjoying the process of solving your life’s problems. With this in mind, turn your problems into a game, and then challenge yourself to lightheartedly play with ideas until adequate solutions come to mind that can help you move forward in a better way.

3) TEST AND EXPERIMENT

Creativity is of course very often a number’s game. The more ideas you are able to generate, the better your chances of coming up with something that may work. And this of course involves the process of trial and error. In other words, creativity is all about testing and experimentation. You must try new things, take risks and learn from all your successes and failures. Mistakes will no doubt be made along the way. That’s just part of the creative process. View your mistakes as valuable feedback that you can use to move yourself forward. And above all else, keep an open mind when exploring new possibilities.

4) KEEP AN OPEN MIND

Having an open mind means being receptive to new possibilities, perspectives and ideas. Now of course, throughout the creative process, things won’t always make sense. In fact, you might come across new understandings and insights that don’t quite seem right, and may actually make you feel rather uncomfortable. Instead of dismissing these ideas, choose to question your assumptions. Is it possible that you’re not seeing things clearly? Is it possible that your assumptions are preventing you from understanding the value of this idea? Keeping an open mind will allow you to be flexible in thought, decision and action.

5) BREAK ALL THE RULES

6 Surprising Ways to Transform Your Creative Thinking

Often, in order to think more creatively you need to be willing and able to break the rules about how things should be done. In other words, you must muster up the courage to think differently and challenge accepted standards, practices and norms. Consider why things are done a certain way, and then question whether there may actually be a better way to get this desired result. This approach to thinking of course involves stepping out of the box in order to gain a different perspective of the situation. It might even require breaking that box and rebuilding it in a new and more efficient way that opens doors to new possibilities.

6) SHOW PATIENCE AND RESILIENCE

To think more creatively of course requires practice, and practice of course takes time. There will be plenty of ups and downs throughout the creative process, and possibly some major struggles. Creative answers don’t often come quickly or easily. With this in mind, creativity therefore requires patience and resilience on your part. You need patience to develop exceptional creative ideas, and you need resilience to persist and persevere through your struggles. The creative process therefore cannot be rushed, and it is something that needs your full and undivided attention for as long as it takes to light that spark.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Thinking creatively takes a lot of work. It’s not easy and maybe that’s why a vast majority of people don’t consider themselves to be creative. However, it is a skill that you can certainly develop over time. And it all of course begins with these six guiding principles that will help you begin thinking more creatively.

Showing a willingness to ask insightful questions, to play with your ideas, to test and experiment, to think objectively, to break all the rules, and to persist and persevere through your struggles, are the keys that will help you think more creatively. Use them and implement them into your life, and you will progressively grow your creative intelligence.

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7 Ways to Boost Your Creativity @ 99u
10 Surprising Ways to Transform Your Creative Thinking @ Fast Company
33 Surprising Ways to Boost Creativity for Free @ Greatist
Creative Problem Solving Using SCAMPER @ Litemind
How to Become a Better Creative Thinker @ IQ Matrix

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