Decision Making Tools

Often when we're at a career cross road, we need to make a decision - awesome when that path is clear, and a nightmare when it's not. At times, we can be stuck without clarity on what the best course of action may be.

A way to become 'unstuck' is to work through a decision making framework (also useful for any major decisions, personally or professionally). Here's a personal favourite that's proven effective time and time again ...


6 thinking hats

You may have heard the name Edward de Bono? He was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Economics in 2005, and is regarded by many as the leading authority in the field of creative thinking, innovation and the direct teaching of thinking as a skill. He created a very useful, simple and effective model for decision making called the ‘Six Thinking Hats’.
 
The premise of this method is that the human brain thinks in a number of distinct ways which we can choose to deliberately challenged to develop more well rounded and considered decisions. De Bono identifies six distinct directions in which the brain can be challenged, hence the six thinking hats. He describes this tool as “a simple, effective parallel thinking process that helps people be more productive, focused, and mindfully involved”.
 
We all have a ‘hat’ or two we prefer using and will naturally use without even realising it. To help make the best possible decision, taking a few minutes to view the options with each ‘hat’ on, you will end up with a well balanced approach to your decision making and better the chances of a great outcome. This framework works well for all decisions, personal or professional.  Jump on Google or click here for more info on the 6 THINKING HATS.