Each problem that we face has its own message and purpose to help us grow as a more effective and

efficient person. Edward de Bonos Six Thinking Hats can help us to take control of our thought processes through a systematic implementation in search of an ideal solution to our problems or circumstances.

The team (myself) tried the different hats and the following are our findings.

Results: Feel like a seedling Constant growing mind Unique, creative ideas and perspectives Almost like white hat but with open mind Almost opposite to black hat Rules are meant to be broken Reminds me of Tina Seeligs lectures and approaches Assessment: MOST COMFORTABLE WITH THIS HAT Like a seedling that sprouts from the ground and grows persistently Expanding brains and thoughts in all directions Mind mapping and lateral thinking process The thoughts are not controlled by rules or limitations Currently need this quality to succeed in my PhD Must at all costs avoid criticizing or judging the ideas that it brings to mind Questions to self: What alternative possibilities could exist here? Could this be done in another way? How can I look at this problem from a unique perspective? How can I think outside the box about this? What if?

Results: Feel like the cat Optimistic yet happy and a can do attitude Welcoming and radiant attitude Curious and inquisitive mind Predefined ideas

Assessment: Very comfortable with this hat Constantly seeking ideas for solutions Positive behaviour and motivated to accomplish my future tasks Tend to find any opportunities that are waiting to be discovered Can produce an effective plan that will counteract, minimize and eliminate these risks altogether.

Questions to self: How can I best approach this problem? How can I logically and realistically make this work? What positive outcomes could result from this action? What are the long-term benefits of this action?

Results: Feel like a detective Reminds me of Mulder in The X-Files Searching for true facts and data only Thorough and neutral Try not to jump into conclusions too quickly What? Where? When? How? Assessment: Quite comfortable with this hat Have this quality at certain times Slightly OCD behaviour Tend to find the truth rather than opinions Currently need this quality when writing my PhD thesis

Questions to self: What do I know about this problem? What dont I know about this problem? What can I learn from this problem? What more would I like to learn about this problem? How will I go about acquiring the facts, stats and data that will help me resolve this problem? What potential solutions exist based on the facts, stats and data that I have collected?

Results: Feel like the heart Personal feelings, gut reactions and hunches Intuitive emotions Seeking to accomplish direct and indirect objectives Thorough and neutral Open minded and open to suggestions Assessment: Comfortable with this hat Matches all my current personality and criteria Slightly OCD behaviour Tend to change my judgements as time progresses May not be suitable for my PhD Tend to unveil my own weaknesses but also unveils my hidden strengths and ideas

Questions to self: What is my gut telling me about this solution? What are my feelings telling me about the choice I am about to make? Based on my feelings, is there a better way to go about this? Intuitively, is this the right solution to this problem?

Results: Feel like the director Tend to sit back and manage ideas/other hats Seeking goals and deadlines Gather global perspectives: problems and solutions Time management

Assessment: Hoping to have this quality in future High aspiration and overlooking all the issues Not quite comfortable colour for now Needs to upgrade leadership and critical/creative thinking to achieve this Leader of the other hats

Questions to self: What problem am I facing? How can I best define this problem? What is my goal and outcome? What do I seek to achieve by solving this problem? What is the most effective method of proceeding from this position? How can I best organize and arrange my thinking to help move me beyond my present circumstances?

Results: Feel like the reaper Pessimistic, negative thoughts, cant do attitude Not necessarily good or evil, but rather to bring forth scenarios Not really spiteful or destructive, but just-is what it is Cautious, judgemental and critical How is this likely to fail? Assessment: MOST UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THIS HAT Have a set of predefined objectives that seeks to accomplish an objective There are always dark dangers and flaws in every cosy and comfortable situations Had this quality when I was younger (probably learnt from family) Just got rid of my negative energy in order to succeed in my PhD after a few job redundancies beforehand Questions to self: What is the fatal flaw within this idea? What is the drawback to this way of thinking? How many ways is this likely to fail? What are the potential risks and consequences associated with this? Do I have the necessary resources, skills and support to pull this off?

Team creati-ethni: 1. Zulkeplee Othman

thank you