After studying highly creative groups, typically from the ad industry, de Bono recognised behaviours and mindsets that enabled the group to interact and be highly creative and productive. It was from these studies that he first coined the phrase 'Lateral Thinking', and invented his innovative process for creativity.

He put forward that the creative process follows a series of steps, each requiring a different approach and mindset for maximum success. He represents these mindsets with different coloured hats..

Green for creative...support creativity positively.
Yellow for positive...wrap your arms around any idea, no matter how bizar.
Red for emotion.. your gut feelings rather than hard data
White for neutral.. What does the data say?
Black for judgmental...eek out the reasons for failure.
Blue for process.. yes there is a process here!

I will describe each hat in more detail later.

....in progress

...in progress

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....In Progress

.. In progress

...In progress