How to use AI for... thinking more clearly
In this post, we'll go through several ideas on how we can use LLMs to sharpen our thinking and show us different angles to the situations we encounter every day.
One of the most powerful uses of artificial intelligence (AI) today is its ability to help us break our thought patterns and discover new perspectives on our challenges. However, I still see few people taking advantage of this technology for that purpose. If you value the idea of challenging your own thinking, this post is for you.
Why is it so difficult to think outside the box?
Our thinking is constantly influenced by cognitive biases—automatic mental processes that simplify how we perceive the world and interpret information. While these biases are often seen in a negative light, they have played a crucial role in our evolution by reducing the cognitive effort required to make decisions and protecting our brains from exhaustion. They act as mental shortcuts that allow us to react quickly, but they don’t always guide us in the best direction.
- The negativity bias, for example, leads us to focus more on the negative aspects of a situation. This bias helped our ancestors avoid dangers, but today it can prevent us from seeing opportunities amidst challenges.
- The conformity bias, which drives us to follow the majority opinion, may have ensured survival in groups, but it can also discourage us from exploring new and divergent ideas.
Essentially, our brains seek to protect our ego, our survival, and our mental energy, treating imagined risks (like the possibility of failing a presentation) the same way they would treat real threats (like being attacked by a predator).
How can AI help us overcome these biases?
There are several ways to deal with our biases, such as seeking new perspectives, practicing curiosity, embracing mistakes as part of the process, and collaborating with others. However, applying these techniques on your own can be challenging, as it requires seeing problems from angles that your own biases might be blocking. This is where AI becomes a powerful ally, simulating the role of a critical partner that helps you see beyond your blind spots.
Below, I present five thought-expanding techniques that can be enhanced by using AI. For each of them, you’ll find a link to a Custom GPT that allows you to use it immediately, or a link to a prompt that you can copy and paste into your preferred language model, such as GPT, Claude, Mistral, etc.
1. 5 Whys
The 5 Whys method, developed by Sakichi Toyoda and widely used by Toyota, is an iterative technique that explores the root causes of a problem. By asking “why?” repeatedly—usually five times—you can uncover the underlying issue, avoiding superficial solutions.
Situations where it's useful:
Solving complex problems
Investigating process failures
Analyzing critical incidents
How AI can help: AI can be programmed to simulate the questioning process, guiding you through questions you might not have considered. For example, an AI model can identify patterns in your responses that point to causes you may have overlooked.
Value of the exercise: The 5 Whys helps you move beyond superficial symptoms, allowing you to focus your efforts on more effective solutions. Use this technique when you need to deeply understand why something happened.
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2. Lateral Thinking
Introduced by Edward de Bono, Lateral Thinking is an approach that seeks to solve problems in a non-linear and unconventional way. Unlike logical thinking, which follows a sequential path, lateral thinking restructures existing thought patterns to generate new ideas.
Situations where it's useful:
Brainstorming new products or services
Overcoming creative blocks
Innovating in processes and strategies
How AI can help: AI can generate random prompts or suggest unexpected analogies that force your brain to think outside usual patterns. This can be especially useful in brainstorming sessions where creativity is key.
Value of the exercise: Lateral Thinking allows you to escape fixed thought patterns and create innovative solutions. Use this technique when you need to explore different perspectives on an idea or problem.
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3. Six Thinking Hats
Also created by Edward de Bono, the Six Thinking Hats method separates thinking into six distinct functions, represented by colored hats: White (facts), Red (emotions), Black (caution), Yellow (optimism), Green (creativity), and Blue (process management).
Situations where it's useful:
Decision-making meetings
Evaluating projects or proposals
Resolving team conflicts
How AI can help: AI can be configured to adopt these different roles during a decision-making process, providing feedback and suggestions based on each “hat.” For instance, you could ask AI to analyze an idea from the perspective of the black hat (caution) and then suggest ways to mitigate identified risks.
Value of the exercise: The Six Thinking Hats promote a comprehensive and collaborative analysis of problems. Use this technique to ensure you’re considering all angles before making a decision.
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4. Scenario Analysis
Scenario Analysis, popularized by Pierre Wack at Royal Dutch Shell, involves creating and analyzing multiple plausible futures to assist in strategic planning. The method helps identify key driving forces and explore the implications of different combinations of these forces.
Situations where it's useful:
Long-term strategic planning
Assessing risks in uncertain environments
Developing robust strategies
How AI can help: AI can generate alternative scenarios based on historical data or current trends, helping you visualize how different factors might combine in the future. This facilitates preparation for disruptive changes in the market.
Value of the exercise: Scenario Analysis expands thinking beyond linear predictions, allowing you to identify both risks and opportunities. Use this technique to explore multiple possible futures and prepare for the unexpected.
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5. Socratic Method
The Socratic Method, based on the questioning style of the Greek philosopher Socrates, involves a series of questions that stimulate critical thinking and expose hidden assumptions. Rather than providing direct answers, it guides the person to discover knowledge on their own.
Situations where it's useful:
Teaching and facilitating learning
Exploring ethical or philosophical questions
Developing critical thinking skills
How AI can help: AI can be trained to apply the Socratic Method, asking questions that challenge your assumptions and lead you to reflect more deeply on a topic. This approach can be used in coaching or mentoring processes, where the goal is to develop a deeper understanding.
Value of the exercise: The Socratic Method promotes more rigorous and critical thinking, encouraging reflection and self-exploration. Use this technique when you want to develop your critical thinking skills or explore complex issues.
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Conclusion
Artificial intelligence has the potential to be an invaluable partner in expanding our thinking, helping us challenge our biases and explore new perspectives. More than simply following the techniques mentioned here, I suggest that you understand how each one works behind the scenes and adapt them to meet your specific needs. With AI, you have the opportunity to broaden your vision and make more informed and creative decisions.
Until next time, remember: true innovation begins when we challenge the status quo and open our minds to new possibilities.