Edward de Bono

Edward de Bono is a renowned Maltese physician, psychologist, and author known for his work in the fields of creative thinking, lateral thinking, and problem-solving. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of cognitive processes and the development of practical techniques to enhance thinking skills.

Key aspects of Edward de Bono's work include:

* Lateral thinking: De Bono is widely recognised for his concept of "lateral thinking," which involves approaching problems or challenges from unconventional angles or perspectives. Lateral thinking encourages thinking outside the box, breaking free from traditional thought patterns, and exploring new possibilities.

* Six Thinking Hats: De Bono developed the "Six Thinking Hats" technique, a systematic approach to group discussions and decision-making. Each "hat" represents a different thinking mode or perspective, such as facts and information, emotions and intuition, critical judgement, creativity, positive thinking, and process control. This technique encourages participants to adopt different thinking styles and consider diverse aspects of a problem.

* Creative thinking: De Bono emphasised the importance of creativity in problem-solving and decision-making. He advocated for the development of creative thinking skills as a means to generate innovative ideas, challenge assumptions, and find alternative solutions.

* Tools and techniques: De Bono has created various practical tools and techniques to facilitate thinking and problem-solving, including the "Six Thinking Hats," "The Attention Direction Sequence," "The PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting) Technique," and "The Six Value Medals." These tools are designed to stimulate thinking, improve communication, and enhance decision-making processes.

* Education and training: De Bono has been actively involved in promoting the teaching of thinking skills in education. He has developed educational programmes and materials to cultivate creative thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities in students of all ages.

* Impact and recognition: Edward de Bono's work has had a significant impact on various fields, including business, education, psychology, and innovation. His contributions to the understanding of thinking processes and the development of practical techniques have earned him international recognition and numerous awards.

De Bono's ideas and techniques have been widely applied in diverse settings, such as business management, organisational development, leadership training, and education. Individuals, groups, and organisations have embraced them in an effort to foster creativity, enhance problem-solving abilities, and encourage sound decision-making.



Edward de Bono