In today’s rapidly changing world, one of the key skills is the ability to think effectively. While technology continues to advance, unique human thinking – the ability to connect, create, and make decisions – can become our greatest competitive advantage. Edward de Bono teaches us that thinking can be learned, improved, and even shared with others. In this column, we’ll explore how anyone can embark on a journey towards mastering thinking.
Thinking is a Skill That Can Be Learned
De Bono didn’t believe that creativity was merely an innate trait of certain individuals. His program for teaching thinking in schools, CoRT (Cognitive Research Trust), designed for both schools and businesses, offers a systematic approach to improving thinking processes. This program includes various techniques, such as broadening perception, challenging assumptions, and recognizing patterns.
Even companies like Apple encourage employees to use these methods. When developing the first iPhone, designers and engineers challenged existing assumptions about mobile phones and thought outside the box. The result was a product that changed the world forever.
“Thinking is a skill we can improve through practice and the right tools,” de Bono emphasized.
How Can Individuals Use These Methods?
There’s no need to start with major changes. The first step is to recognize your own thought patterns and consciously decide to challenge them. For example, instead of accepting the first solution that comes to mind, you can use lateral thinking to find alternative solutions. This doesn’t just mean thinking differently but deliberately directing your thoughts in new directions.
The Six Thinking Hats method is another excellent tool for everyday use. When facing an important decision, you can use the hats to comprehensively view the situation. For instance, if you’re considering a job change, the white hat analyzes facts, the red expresses feelings, the yellow recognizes opportunities, the black warns of risks, the green hat looks for creative solutions, while the blue guides you through the entire process.
Become a Thinking Coach
For those who want to take it a step further, there’s an opportunity to become a certified trainer in de Bono’s methods. Companies like Siemens have specialized thinking process trainers in their departments, who encourage innovation and improve team communication. As one trainer says, “De Bono’s methods allow us to challenge established practices and create new opportunities that we hadn’t seen before.”
How de Bono’s Methods Improve Everyday Life
Thinking isn’t just a tool for work – it’s a skill that can improve our personal lives as well. The Six Hats method can help us better manage emotions and communication with partners or family members. The green hat allows us to find creative ways to resolve conflicts, while the red one lets us openly express our feelings. This way, we become better communicators and problem solvers in our private lives.
Creating a Thinking Ecosystem
Companies that use de Bono’s methods often speak of creating a thinking ecosystem where all team members contribute to finding solutions. For example, Studio Moderna organized workshops for its employees where they used various de Bono tools. Participants reported improved problem-solving skills and better communication with each other.
“Thinking is the most powerful tool we have. Let’s improve it and unleash its potential,” de Bono said.
Becoming a master of thinking doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a continuous practice and refinement of skills that enables us to better face challenges, create new opportunities, and make thoughtful decisions. By using de Bono’s methods in daily life and work, we can enhance our productivity, creativity, and relationships.
If you want to take a step forward, explore de Bono’s books or attend a workshop. As de Bono says:
“It’s not enough to have good ideas – we must learn how to realize them properly.”
If you want to become a trainer in your country, teaching, training, and facilitating people in companies, schools, public administration, and other organizations, contact me at [email protected]. In the 2024-25 school year, I will train 8 trainers.
