Set Breaker # 16: Men in hats

The Setup

4 men are buried up to their necks in the ground. They can only look forward. Between A and B is a brick wall they cannot see over. They all know that between them they are wearing 4 hats, 2 black and 2 white, but they do not know what one they are wearing. In order to avoid being shot one of them must call out to the executioner the colour of their hat. If they get it wrong, everyone will be shot. They are not allowed to talk to each other and have 5 minutes to work it out.

After 4 minutes, one of them calls out, virtually certain of the colour of his hat – how did he know. There are no tricks.

Click here for the answer.

What are ‘Sets'?

Definition for those with lots of time:

A state of perceptual readiness to assess a problem situation in a particular way, to adhere to that assessment and to perform, in accordance with that assessment, actions which do not lead to a solution, or which lead to cumbrous solutions.

Using the wrong brain software to solve a particular problem.

What are ‘Set Breakers'?

If sets lead to the wrong solution, set breakers lead to the right solution.

What can they do for me?

Our height, intelligence, personality and the wealth of our parents is relatively fixed by the time we enter the working world. However, what we can change is our ability to solve problems. Although there are numerous authors with an interesting ‘take' on thinking skills, the process of problem solving is still very much an enigma.
We are often ‘stumped' by a problem, because the sets we use overpower an alternative that is more suitable.
In each issue of The Strategist, we will present a concise problem that challenges conventional ‘sets', giving you a broader repertoire of problem solving skills over time. Just like moderate exercise three times a week strengthens your heart, Set Breakers give your mind the exercise it needs to form additional problem-solving patterns. Don't try and find direct application for these problems – they're exercises. However, after a number of weeks you should begin to feel ‘sharper' at solving problems – business and personal.