Last week, I discussed Edward de Bono’s (or maybe his and others’) Six Thinking Hats. In my blog title, I described his mind as fertile and that fertility led, step by step, from:
- Six Thinking Hats (1985) to:
- Six Action Shoes (1991)
- Six Value Medals (2005)
- Six Frames – for thinking about information (2008)
We’ve listed the six hats. Let’s do the same for the others. Whilst I own copies of Six Action Shoes and Six Value Medals, it was only in researching this blog that I learned about the newest book here, so I am indebted to Professor Tortoise for the primer in the Six Frames.
Six Action Shoes
Navy Formal Shoes
Represent formal routines, processes and procedures.
Grey Sneakers
Represent exploring, investigating and gathering information.
Brown Practical Brogues
Represent practical, pragmatic, roll-your-sleeves-up action.
Orange Gumboots
Represent safety-conscious activities and emergency action.
Pink Comfy Slippers
Represent caring, concerned, compassionate and sensitive action.
Purple Riding Boots
Represent leadership, authority and command.
Six Value Medals
Gold Medal – Human Values
Values relating to putting people first.
Silver Medal – Organisational Values
Values relating to your organisation’s purpose.
Steel Medal – Quality Values
Values relating to your product, service or function.
Glass Medal – Creativity Values
Values relating to creating, innovating and simplicity.
Wood Medal – Environmental Values
Values relating to sustainability and impact on the community and on society.
Brass Medal – Perceptual Values
Values relating to the way things appear.
Six Frames for Thinking
Triangle Frame – Purpose
Understanding the information at hand – the What, the Why and the Where.
Circle Frame – Accuracy
Is the information consistent, accurate and adequate for our needs (to solve a problem or make a decision, for example)?
Square frame – Perspectives
We can look at information and a situation from different points of view, with different biases and prejudices. Which ones are present?
Heart Frame – Interest
Focuses our attention on the relevant, salient, interesting information that matters most to you.
Diamond Frame – Value
How do we evaluate the value of our information? We can use the six value medals to prioritise its importance.
Slab Frame – Conclusions
What does the information tell us and, crucially, what next?
