Volume 2 Issue 2, Fall 2004

How to Have a Beautiful Mind by Edward de Bono

Vermillion, London 2004

Edward de Bono has devised creative thinking tools, books and led renowned creativity courses for years. Many common exercises in creative thinking originate from deBono, which makes him sound familiar, even if you have never read one of his works before. Most of deBono's publications present one method or technique and tell you how to use it. In How to Have a Beautiful Mind, however, the author presents a summary of 18 techniques in one delicious package. He has simplified materials, like the 6 colored thinking hats, that are covered elsewhere in a whole book, into a short chapter. He has come up with new approaches, like the "Opinion" and "Emotions and feelings" chapters that he has never dealt with this way before..

Tying it all together is the simple self-help notion of cultivating your own personal ability to think and communicate clearly in a way that attracts others--the beautiful mind. DeBono compares the gorgeous but boring-minded girl at the party with the mousy-looking fellow who keeps a whole circle of admirers delighted with his delightful conversation and beautiful mind.

Although the book is obviously aimed at a broad audience, it will be especially helpful for those of us concerned with effective group dialogue. Chapters include basics such as "How to Agree", "How to Disagree", "How to Listen", each with a clear summary of guidelines at the end of the chapter. In addition to these standard communication matters, this book also covers basics of holding any conversation. Late in the book for instance is a chapter entitled "Attitude", which lays out the difference one's intent can make in the ability to communicate, influence and enjoy other people. Many chapters include personal exercises to try out, each with the delightful sense of fun that marks much of deBono's work. For example, in the chapter "How to be Interesting", deBono warns that being interesting and interested go together, and suggests that it helps to practice finding interest in things. "Imagine you were talking about these subjects," he says. "What would you say? How could you be interesting about each of the following? frogs, democracy, airports, cheewing gum, flags, steering wheels, advertising, royalty, scrambled eggs."

This is an intriguing book because it goes well beyond the work of communication advisors and facilitators. Where we professionals work to enable our clients to communicate in clear, healthy and effective ways, we may well overlook deBono's concern that they also be fascinating, fun and attractive! As deBono says, this is a makeover for your mind!

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