Welcome to the Edward de Bono Training Website

Dennis R Perrin, Accredited Edward de Bono Trainer

"How To Be A Thinker!"
By Dennis R Perrin

Our thinking has not changed for centuries. We still try to solve problems using argument, a system inherited from Socrates then refined by Plato and Aristotle. This means that we are obsessed by three types of thinking all mixed up: 1. searching for "the truth", 2. putting ideas into "boxes and categories" and 3. "argument". This thinking system as described is over 2,000 years old and has never been updated.

We update our computer software every few months, yet our thinking stays the same. We believe that if we are intelligent then it follows that we can think well. Not so. Intelligent people are often bad thinkers because intelligence is a value judgement. When intelligent people pass exams, they then assume an arrogance and complacency far beyond the level of thinking inherent in those exams. Let's say that the level of thinking in all schools and universities is at the boiled-egg level compared to a master chef level - using a cooking analogy. We go through life at the boiled-egg level of thinking, when there is now an opportunity to reach the level of master thinker.

A master thinker learns thinking tools. A master thinker develops skill in creativity. Master thinkers learn the value of pausing and resist impulsive emotional thinking and the need to rush. Master thinkers can be high achievers without the need to impose their thinking, beliefs or sales upon others.

Learning thinking tools takes time and master thinkers are prepared to take one step at a time, patiently learning the tools one by one, and then practising these tools at every opportunity in order to hone them, in the same way a trainee pilot hones his/her flying skills. Master thinkers no longer need to argue self-righteously about how right they are, their status as thinkers is more important than their social status, and their confidence is in their own thinking whenever there is a need to make a decision.

Dennis R Perrin, de Bono Trainer

There are three factors that master thinkers take into account whenever there is a need to think: 1. Time: they take the time to think, and this specific time element is what they learn in de Bono Thinking Training. 2. Master thinkers use thinking tools, and it is in using the tools skilfully that is another aspect of the Dr de Bono Thinking lessons; and 3. master thinkers learn focus. Focus is the most important aspect of thinking. When a master thinker thinks, he/she knows exactly what they are doing, he/she expects and gets results, and the thinking results either give the next steps or a conclusion.

Dr Edward de Bono, master thinker, photo taken by de Bono Trainer Dennis R Perrin

Edward de Bono Six Thinking Hats for Schools & Businesses

Edward de Bono Six Thinking Hats

for Schools and Businesses

The Black Hat is probably the most useful of all the Hats
It's certainly not a "bad hat"!

I first met Dr de Bono in person in year 2000, after I'd been accredited as a trainer in his Six Thinking Hats and DATT - Direct Attention Thinking Tools. This meeting was held in London for a large group of European de Bono Trainers for a refresher training session.

I've always thought that "thinking" is fundamental to human development and human happiness; and that better thinking is a prerequisite to ending wars and solving human problems. In fact, one of my first clients, a teacher, in 1999, wrote to me saying that the course she had taken with me "helped lessen stress and solve problems more easily."

It's difficult for many people to understand that something so simple can be so powerful. That "something" is the use of thinking skills. Thinking skills are tools that work with perceptual logic in order to open up thinking, develop creativity, and make what should be obvious into a practical skill. Thinking isn't natural because the prevalence of emotions usually clouds thinking. Clear thinking involves lateral thinking, creativity, the ability to generate relevant factors, see other people's views, create alternatives, and develop priorities.

Edward de Bono devised 60 thinking tools called CoRT way back in 1970 and by 1976 he personally had taught 120,000 people how to think. CoRT stands for Cognitive Research Trust and is based in Cambridge. Through Dr de Bono's many books and his training programmes I have improved my own thinking and helped others improve theirs. Improved thinking affects every area of life, personal, family, education and business.

Dennis R Perrin www.thinking-training.co.uk