Six Thinking Hats to be offered in Erie

Mary Bula, vice president of the Growth Partnership division of the Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership (ERCGP) has earned Certified Instructor status in the Six Thinking Hats® tools for parallel thinking. These problem solving and innovation methods are used worldwide by major corporations, governments and educators to generate ideas, address challenges, develop new products and make better decisions. The Six Thinking Hats® tools were developed by Dr. Edward de Bono, a leading international authority on creative and conceptual thinking, and Ms. Bula received her training from Lifetime Master Trainer Barbara Stennes of Iowa-based de Bono Consulting.

Six Thinking Hats® promotes parallel thinking as an alternative to argument, and helps individuals and groups think about issues in a more disciplined and efficient way. Ms. Bula and the Growth Partnership have used these tools internally, and to advance a wide variety of strategic discussions and initiatives in Erie County.

B.J. Lechner, currently serving as business growth services director at the Northwest Industrial Resource Center after spending 30 years in private industry, is a firm believer in the Six Thinking Hats® methods. He says, “I think that every company should have someone trained in Six Thinking Hats® because it’s the most efficient way to think about issues and come to consensus on action. It’s also a fantastic tool to identify new product and process ideas.”

Now that she has received her Instructor Certification, Ms. Bula can offer this training toERCGP Investors and the broader community. She says, "The Six Thinking Hats® tools help individuals and groups consider issues from many angles, evaluate alternatives and define strategies and solutions that can be supported and implemented. The ERCGP is happy to bring these tools to the Erie region."

Six Thinking Hats® training courses will be offered on the following dates: Tuesday, February 15; Friday, April 8; Friday, August 5 and Friday, October 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration is now open, but seating is limited. Interested individuals should contact Mary Bula at 814-454-7191 ×130 for more information.