Thinking Tools + AI Prompts = Better Decisions
Friday, March 22, 2024
It is very difficult to analyze all aspects of an idea before making a decision. Combine thinking tools with AI and improve this process.
1. Why is it important for the user to specify or clarify the objective before making a request to the AI?
Decision-making is a fundamental skill in personal and professional life. Every day, we find ourselves at crossroads that require choosing between different options, from what to eat for breakfast to what career to study or what investment to make. The quality of our decisions largely determines the success we achieve in our goals and objectives.
Before making a decision, it is necessary to carry out a deep reflective process. Here are some reasons why you need to think before you act:
• Avoid mistakes and negative consequences: A hasty decispd us to mpake mistakes that can have negative consequences in the short, medium or long term.
• Seize opportunities: By thinking before acting, we can identify the best opportunities and make the most of them.
• Achieve goals: Effective decision making allows us to focus our efforts on actions that will bring us closer to our goals.
• Be more efficient: Thinking before acting helps us avoid wasting time, resources and energy.
• Develop self-confidence: Making responsible and correct decisions increases our self-confidence and our ability to face challenges.
In theories of thought, Edward de Bono is considered one of the leading experts in the field of creative thinking. His work focuses on developing tools and techniques to improve the ability to think and make decisions. Among his main contributions are:
• Concept of lateral thinking: It refers to the ability to generate new and original ideas to solve problems creatively.
• Thinking tools: The development of a series of tools to stimulate creative thinking and effective decision making, such as mind maps, the six thinking hats, the SCAMPER and the PO.
• Practical approach: Tools designed to be accessible and easy to apply in different contexts, both personal and professional.
2. Learning to weigh or choose ideas: evaluate the Positive, the Negative, the Interesting
The “Positive, Negative, Interesting” technique is used to reduce the risk of discarding a valuable idea, which apparently was not. It is likely not to see the negative or disadvantages of something that we really like. Additionally, PNI helps come up with new ideas. Without a PNI, judgments can remain mere emotions for the moment and not the value of the idea itself.
Example: The renowned platform "YouTube" has updated its content creation policies, according to which creators must indicate whether and how they relied on AI, otherwise they will be penalized. We need you to evaluate all the positive, negative and interesting aspects of this new policy.
Sure, I can help you with that. Here is my evaluation of YouTube's new policy using the “Positive, Negative, Interesting” (PNI) technique:
Positive:
Transparency: This policy can increase transparency on the platform, allowing viewers to better understand how the content they are viewing was created.
Education: You can educate the public about the use of AI in content creation, which is an increasingly relevant topic.
Innovation: Could encourage creators to explore new ways to use AI in their content.
Negative:
Complexity: For some creators, especially those unfamiliar with AI, this policy could add an extra layer of complexity to content creation.
Penalties: Creators who do not comply with the policy could face penalties, which could discourage some creators.
Interesting:
Impact on AI: It will be interesting to see how this policy affects the perception and use of AI in content creation on YouTube.
Creator Reactions: It will also be interesting to see how content creators respond to this policy and how YouTube adapts based on those responses.
3. Learning to select, decide or plan: Considering All Factors
“Consider All Factors (CAF)” is a technique that seeks to avoid the omission of any factor that could be important when selecting an alternative, making a decision or carrying out a plan. He raises the need to rely on another person to tell him if he omitted some important factors. If some important factor is omitted, the answer may appear to be correct, but it could later be proven wrong.
Example: Employers are considering prioritizing those applicants who demonstrate combining their academic knowledge and professional experience with the appropriate use of AI tools. We need a list in which you consider all the factors around this possibility.
Of course, here is my list of factors to consider regarding whether employers may prioritize applicants who combine their academic knowledge and professional experience with the appropriate use of AI tools:
Demand for AI skills: Demand for AI skills is increasing in many industries. Employers can see significant value in candidates who have experience with these tools.
Need for continuous training: AI tools are constantly evolving. Candidates who demonstrate AI skills must be willing to continue learning and adapting to new tools and techniques.
Balance between technical and soft skills: Although technical skills are important, employers also value soft skills. Candidates must be able to demonstrate communication, leadership and teamwork skills in addition to their AI proficiency.
Diversity of skills: Candidates who can combine their academic knowledge and professional experience with AI skills can bring a diversity of skills to the team.
Cost of hiring and training: Hiring candidates with AI skills can be more expensive than hiring candidates without these skills. Additionally, there may be costs associated with continuing training.
Impact on company culture: Adding employees with AI skills can change company culture. This can be positive if the company is looking to foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
Ethics and privacy: The use of AI may raise ethical and privacy issues. Candidates should have a solid understanding of these issues.
Regulation: Depending on the industry, there may be regulations governing the use of AI. Candidates must be familiar with these regulations.
4. Learning to set priorities: Basic Priorities
The technique called “Basic Priorities” seeks to first obtain as many ideas as possible and then begin to choose them based on priorities. When applying it, it is necessary to determine the reasons why a person chooses something as a priority. It must be taken into account that people may have different priorities in the same situation. The person must learn the reason why they chose something as a priority.
Example: With the arrival of AI, many companies have been involved in what is called: "Innovator's Dilemma". According to this concept, companies must choose between: a) continuing with the traditional business and having its results assured; b) adopt innovation and change the direction of your traditional business, although if you choose this path, nothing is guaranteed. We need you to determine the ideas around this situation, then the priorities, and in the end generate an ordered list of ideas according to the priorities.
I understand, here is my list of ideas and priorities around the “Innovator's Dilemma” in the context of AI adoption:
Ideas:
Continuing with traditional business: This option can offer stability and predictability, but it can limit growth and innovation.
Embrace innovation and change the direction of traditional business: This option can be risky, but it can offer growth opportunities and long-term competitive advantages.
Adopt a hybrid approach: Some companies may choose to adopt AI in certain areas while maintaining traditional operations in others.
Priorities:
Financial stability: For many businesses, maintaining financial stability can be a key priority.
Growth and competitiveness: For other companies, growth and competitiveness may be more important, even if this means taking some risks.
Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changes in the market and in technology can be a priority for companies operating in rapidly changing industries.
Ordered list of ideas according to priorities:
Adopt a hybrid approach: This approach can allow companies to maintain some financial stability while exploring growth opportunities and adapting to changes in the market.
Continue with traditional business: If financial stability is the top priority, then continuing with traditional business may be the best option.
Embrace innovation and change the course of traditional business: If growth and competitiveness are the top priorities, then embracing innovation may be the best option.
5. Learning to anticipate and understand the implications of an action: Consequences and Sequelae
The “Consequences and Sequelae” technique analyzes the consequences brought about by an invention, project, law or decision, which can appear some time later and even last for a long time. When thinking about an action you should always consider its consequences: immediate, medium-term, long-term.
Example: The US President's Administration filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the technology giant created a monopoly in the smartphone market with its iPhone model. The case specifically targets the digital fortress that Apple has created not only with the iPhone, but also with other products such as the iPad, Mac and Apple Watch so that consumers have to rely on those devices and cannot combine them with other products from other companies. We need you to determine the consequences in case Apple loses the lawsuit.
I understand, here are the possible consequences if Apple loses the lawsuit:
Immediate consequences:
Change in Apple policies: Apple could be forced to change its policies and allow greater interoperability between its devices and those of other companies.
Financial impact: Apple could face significant fines and a hit to its stock market shares.
Reputation: Apple's reputation could be affected, which could impact sales of its products.
Medium-term consequences:
Competition: There could be increased competition in the market for smartphones and other electronic devices if Apple is forced to allow greater interoperability.
Innovation: This change could encourage innovation in the market, as other companies could have the opportunity to develop products and services that integrate with Apple devices.
Long-term consequences:
Changes in the industry: This decision could set a precedent for other similar lawsuits against other technology companies, which could lead to broader changes in the technology industry.
User experience: In the long term, users could benefit from greater choice and flexibility in the way they use their devices.
6. Learning to analyze thinking by identifying objectives: Purposes, Goals, Objectives
The “Purposes, Goals and Objectives” technique aims to know exactly why what you are trying to achieve is important, since the thinking process depends on it. In fact, it can also help you understand other people's thinking process. Knowing the objectives makes it easier to establish how to achieve them. It is important to learn to reconcile the objectives of different people in a given situation; and also how they could be articulated. It should always be kept in mind that the objectives must be real and feasible.
Example: Having a presence on Social Networks is considered very important given the possibilities it offers in terms of its great reach. Among those who seek a presence in this medium we have influencers , content creators and companies. We need you to carry out an analysis of the purposes, goals and objectives of each one.
Of course, here is my analysis of the purposes, goals and objectives of influencers, content creators and companies on social media:
Influencers:
Purpose: Establish an online presence and cultivate an audience to influence purchasing decisions or followers' opinions.
Goals: Increase the number of followers, improve engagement with content (likes, comments, shares), and establish partnerships with brands for promotions or sponsorships.
Objectives: Maintain a consistent presence on social media, post engaging and relevant content regularly, engage with followers to foster a community.
Content creators:
Purpose: Share your creative work, ideas or experiences with an online audience.
Goals: Improve content creation skills, increase visibility of your work, and possibly monetize your content through sponsorships, advertising, or crowdfunding.
Goals: Create and publish high-quality content on a regular basis, engage with followers and other creators, and stay up to date with social media trends and best practices.
Companies:
Purpose: Use social media as a marketing tool to promote products or services, engage with customers, and improve brand visibility.
Goals: Increase brand awareness, improve sales or conversions, and build customer loyalty through effective customer service on social media.
Objectives: Publish relevant and engaging content that promotes the brand and its products or services, respond quickly to customer inquiries or comments, and analyze social media metrics to inform future marketing strategies.
7. Learning to identify all the alternatives: Alternatives -Possibilities - Options
The “Alternatives - Possibilities - Options” technique aims to find more alternatives than those initially identified when evaluating a decision or proposal. Likewise, when studying a situation, you can find explanations that are obvious, however, there will always be other possible explanations that have not been thought of. It is impossible to know whether the obvious explanation is the best until you have examined other possibilities. It is easy to look for other alternatives when you are not satisfied, but looking for them when you are satisfied requires additional effort.
Example: A developer uses tools that have lost validity in the job market today, and has become unemployed. Given the advances in methodologies, approaches, languages, platforms, environments and the emergence of AI, we need you to make a list that indicates the alternatives you have around this situation.
Of course, here are some alternatives, possibilities and options for a developer in this situation:
Learn new technologies: The developer can invest time in learning new technologies and programming languages that are relevant in the current market.
AI Training: Given the growing role of AI in many industries, the developer might consider obtaining AI training.
Certifications: Obtaining certifications in emerging technologies can increase a developer's employability.
Networking: The developer can attend industry events, conferences and meetups to meet people in their field and discover new opportunities.
Freelancing: If the job search becomes difficult, the developer may consider working as a freelancer or consultant, which could offer more flexibility.
Contribute to open source projects: This can help the developer gain hands-on experience with new technologies and also build a reputation in the developer community.
Teaching: If the developer has teaching skills, they could consider becoming an instructor or tutor on online learning platforms.
Creating your own product: If the developer has an idea for a product or service, they might consider starting their own business.
8. Learning to cross multiple points of view: APV
The “Another Point of View” technique is applied to learn that people can have very different points of view, despite being in the same situation. It is difficult to determine, among all the points of view, which one or which ones are correct. You must develop the ability to see or interpret the point of view of others, without trying to impose your own. An important aspect is being able to express one's own points of view so that they are understood by others. Differences and similarities between the different points of view must be listed, to identify commonalities and establish agreements on differences.
Example: A Startup creates a platform to design high-quality images for free and accessible to the general public. We need you to examine the individual points of view of: the CEO of the startup , the CEO of a software company dedicated to designing images but charging for their use, a graphic designer.
Of course, here are the individual views of each of the actors mentioned:
Startup CEO:
Positive: You could see the platform as a way to democratize high-quality image design, allowing more people to access these tools. You could also see it as an opportunity to gain visibility and users for your startup.
Negative: You might have concerns about how to monetize the platform and keep it sustainable in the long term.
CEO of an image design software company that charges for its use:
Positive: You could see the emergence of the startup as a sign that the image design market is growing and that there is demand for these tools.
Negative: You might be worried about competition and how the availability of a free tool could affect your business model.
Graphic designer:
Positive: You might appreciate having access to a free tool for designing high-quality images, especially if you're just starting out in your career or working independently on a limited budget.
Negative: You might have concerns about the quality of images produced by the platform, or you might see the proliferation of free design tools as a devaluation of your professional skill and experience.
9. Conclusions
Once we evaluate proposals or analyze situations before making a decision, we can request AI support to complement the following aspects:
• Validate the positive, negative and interesting aspects.
• Consider all factors.
• Consider all priorities.
• Consider all the consequences and consequences.
• Identify and contrast based on the objectives of the actors involved or affected.
• Identify all alternatives, possibilities or options.
• Review and understand all points of view.
Using the power of AI to represent actors, visualize situations beyond those anticipated and manage enormous amounts of information constitutes a valuable instrument to improve our decision-making process.
Original: https://marguitech-mg.systeme.io/aprende_como_refinar_tus_prompts
References: "El pensamiento lateral", "El pensamiento creativo", "El pensamiento práctico" of Edward de Bono.
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