What is your natural approach to decision-making? Do you have an instinctive “feel” for what should be done? Or do you take ample time to analyze data and understand the problem before making a move?
Evidence shows that the best decisions are made when we have mechanisms in place to counteract our natural blind spots—which may mean learning to think in ways that may feel uncomfortable or unnatural.
This is the premise of one of our favorite books on group decision making—The Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono. In easy, approachable language, de Bono walks us through six thinking processes or “hats.”
All of us are capable of thinking in all six ways, but most of us have one or two hats that we are most comfortable wearing. De Bono recommends that whenever we need to make an important decision, we do two critical things:
We’ve found that in business and project management, understanding and implementing the concept of six thinking hats has led to more effective meetings, stronger project teams, and an overall sounder approach to making decisions.
The Thinking Hats can be used in a number of ways. First, leaders and meeting facilitators can think about which type of thinkers should be involved based on the type of meeting, problem, or situation at hand.
Second, leaders can use the framework to help their team fully think through a complex problem.
Green Hat:
A person that is a green hat thinker is strong at generating new and innovative ideas. This person is valuable in a situation when creative solutions to a problem need to be developed but can sometimes have a difficult time zeroing in on a path forward.
Use – Think about creative alternatives you haven’t considered yet. What are you missing?
Red Hat:
A red hat thinker strongly integrates emotion into their thinking process. This person will make decisions primarily with his/her gut reaction or intuition. They also tend to be keenly aware how others may react emotionally to a decision. On the other hand, they can struggle to see a problem logically.
Use – Check in on what everyone’s instincts are telling them.
Blue Hat:
A blue hat thinker is a process-driven individual. This person typically makes a great meeting facilitator or project manager because they keep the team on track. A blue hat thinker is usually the one that decides which types of thinking hats are needed at a specific time and directs people to wear a certain hat. Blue hat thinkers are action-oriented, so they may have a hard time slowing down to engage their other thinking processes.
Use – Wrap-up. Synthesize the viewpoints into a collective decision or clear “next steps.”
Black Hat:
A black hat thinker is someone that looks at things with a critical eye. This individual is very strong at identifying risks that may occur. It is always a good idea to have a black hat thinker involved in the planning process of a project because they will help make the plan stronger by identifying potential pitfalls. At the same time, black hat thinkers can be reluctant to take necessary risks.
Use – Consider what assumptions you’re making, the risks you’re facing, and what could go wrong if you pursue your instinctual response.
Yellow Hat:
A yellow hat thinker is someone that sees the positive or the benefits of a decision. A yellow hat thinker also helps keep the team’s spirits up during stressful times. It may sound strange, but a yellow hat thinker and a black hat thinker can make a very powerful pair when it comes to problem solving or developing a project plan. I typically find myself fulfilling the yellow hat thinker role and have discovered that when I work with a black hat thinker we come up with well-rounded solutions to problems.
Use – Consider the upside. What opportunities or benefits could arise from your proposed course or courses of action?
White Hat:
A white hat thinker is someone that analyzes data that is available to them and uses that as a key input in their decision-making process. A white hat thinker works well with the green hat thinkers. For example, when a green hat thinker comes up with new ideas or solutions, the white hat thinker can find the data which may support the solutions. White hat thinkers can become stronger by getting in touch with their red opposite or being willing to accept intuition and emotion into their decision-making.
Use – Examine the data related to the problem.
Interested in implementing this with your team? Download this “cheat sheet” and pass out to your team to guide discussion! For more insights and tools, check out www.thepersimmongroup.com/insightsandtools.
Hats protect you from the sunand serve as a sleek fashion accessory. The right hat can elevate clothing from an everyday outfit to a show-stopping moment. But, with an endless variety ofhat colors + styles to choose from, it is critical to invest in the right hat to provide both functionality and aesthetic.
Cue ourhat guide.
For those askingwhat color hat for skin tone you should select orwhat hat color is most versatile, we’ve got you covered. Check out ourhat-style article or keep reading through ourhat guide that answers more of our most common color questions.
What Color Is Best for a Hat?
With so many options to choose from, selecting the righthat colors can be overwhelming. Breaking the decision into sub-questions can guide you in the right direction:
What is your complexion? Start with your complexion. A general rule of thumb when decidingwhat color is best for a hat is to identify your undertones. For skin with yellow or red undertones, warm colors like brown, tan, or maroon will complement your face. For those with cool undertones, matching cool colors like grey or blue is the way to go.
Secondly, ask yourself about the colors of your wardrobe. What is the most prominent color you own? Shop hats that harmonize with the colors you already have. Hats should build upon your existing wardrobe.
Will this hat be a statement or an extension?Finally, decide if you are looking for a statement piece or an extension of your current clothing. If looking for a statement piece, bolder or unconventionalhat colors are perfect. On the other hand, if you want a hat that will blend seamlessly into your existing outfits, try a similar color or a neutral hue.
What Color Hat Is Most Versatile?
If you’re looking for endless style combinations or are new to fashion hats as accessories, discovering what color hat is most versatile is critical. A versatile hat will become your go-to accessory. While any neutral is extremely adaptable, we suggest starting with a tan or grey hat like our Luca Pencil Brim fedora in tan or our Monroe Rancher in dark grey. Tan + grey are bordering light colors, + they pair well with bright or dark outfits. For closets + skin tones with heavier warm tones, try tan. For closets or skin with heavier cool tones, try grey.
What Color Hat Looks Best on Light Skin + Dark Skin Tones?
For those askingwhat color hat looks best on light skin tones, ourhat guide offers a few suggestions. Try a neutral color like brown that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color. This can add depth + dimension to your overall look. Additionally, warm earthy tones like rust or olive can accentuate pink, peach, + red undertones.
For those with darker skin tones, we suggest brighter, bolder colors like honeycomb, ivory, or rusty red to turn heads. If looking for a hat that is both sleek + versatile, try grey or cream. For a gentle splash of color, a soft pastel like dusty pink can add vibrance while complementing darker skin tones beautifully.
Ultimately, all skin tones can wear any color. Find the color that makes you feel most confident.
As is mentioned above in our
hat guide
, if you’re looking for a hat to match your skin tone, you should identify your undertones first + foremost. Warmer undertones should select warmer neutrals, while cooler undertones should select their
hat colors
accordingly.
Keep in mind that skin tone varies throughout the year. Choose a hat color that aligns best with your color for the season you plan to wear it most.
Whether you are looking for a hat that will stand out in a crowd or something neutral and versatile to complement your wardrobe,Gigi Pip has a wide variety ofhat colors and shapes for everyone.
When in doubt, try it out! Hats are intended to be a stylish + fun accessory. Do not be afraid totry something new or outside your comfort zone + add some fun to your closet.
Looking for even more inspiration? Check out our guide to hat styles here.