What Colour Decision-making Hat Do You Proudly Wear?

by Lois Tuffin

We all have our own processes for deciding what to do. If you’ve ever had to make a call as a group, you know that everyone weighs their own criteria in their own way.

Some people need to have numbers. Others prefer to look at the short-term and long-term consequences. A select group will ponder the emotional repercussions from the people affected by the decision. So, how do you come to an agreement when you all come at it with a different perspective.

First, you have to recognize those differences.

Six ways to make decisions

Author Edward De Bono broke it all down in his book, The Six Thinking Hats. According to him, these are the colours that match each type so you can see where you fit:

• “Just the facts” (White hat, as in an engineer);

• “Where things could go wrong” (Black hat, which I call the Eeyore outlook);

• “What are your gut reactions?” (Red hat, the emotional thinker);

• “What systems or processes will be needed?” (Blue hat, the systems person);

• “Why should we be optimistic?” (Yellow hat, AKA Pollyanna);

• “What are the possibilities, alternatives, and new ideas?” (Green hat, often an innovator).

I confess that I am initially yellow, with tinges of green and white. I love seeing the potential in new things and how they will spawn the generation of more ideas, as long as I understand the numbers behind the options.

And one old hat...

There is one type that isn’t reflected in this list: the person who likes ‘how things have always been done.’ While I appreciate the outlooks of all the types listed, I struggle with the frustration of fear-based decision-making since it tends to hold people and organizations back from fulfilling their dreams and capacity.

Part and parcel of all this are how you communicate your stance when it’s time to present your views within the group. A strong argument can address each of these “hats” and help you lead a group to a consensus that recognizes everyone’s concerns.

If you really need to have your voice heard within a crowd, whether it’s a managers’ meeting or a city council meeting, preparation is key. Learn about the people you need to influence and what motivates them. Then tap into as many of the hats’ perspectives as you need.

It’s a wise tactic but it takes some intel and caring wording to make it all work. Do your homework and call me if you need a tutor.