What are the benefits of parallel thinking for cross-functional and multidisciplinary collaboration?

1 What is parallel thinking?

Parallel thinking is a way of thinking that involves exploring a problem or a topic from multiple angles at the same time, rather than sequentially or adversarially. It was developed by Edward de Bono, a psychologist and author who also coined the term lateral thinking. Parallel thinking is based on the idea that the human brain can process information in different modes, such as logical, emotional, creative, or practical. By using parallel thinking, you can switch between these modes in a systematic and coordinated way, instead of relying on one dominant mode or arguing over which mode is best.

2 How does parallel thinking work?

One of the most popular tools for parallel thinking is the Six Thinking Hats method, also created by de Bono. The Six Thinking Hats are six different colored hats that represent six different modes of thinking: white for facts and data, red for feelings and intuition, black for risks and drawbacks, yellow for benefits and opportunities, green for alternatives and creativity, and blue for overview and process. By wearing one hat at a time, you and your team can focus on one aspect of the problem or the topic, and then switch to another hat to explore a different aspect. This way, you can avoid jumping to conclusions, conflicting opinions, or irrelevant distractions.

3 What are the benefits of parallel thinking for cross-functional and multidisciplinary collaboration?

Parallel thinking can offer many advantages for cross-functional and multidisciplinary collaboration, such as improving communication and understanding by using the same language and framework, reducing bias and judgment by acknowledging different modes of thinking, enhancing creativity and innovation by stimulating and combining different modes of thinking, and increasing efficiency and productivity by following a structured process. This can help you and your team communicate more clearly, evaluate ideas more objectively, generate more diverse ideas, and save time and resources.

4 How can you apply parallel thinking to your team projects?

To apply parallel thinking to your team projects, you can define the problem or topic, choose and wear the hats, and review the results. Clarify what you want to achieve and what criteria for success exist. Decide which hats you want to use, in what order, and for how long. Make sure everyone wears the same hat at the same time, with one person acting as facilitator. After wearing all the hats, review the findings or outcomes and decide on next steps or actions. Reflect on the process itself and how it helped with collaboration.

5 What are some tips and best practices for parallel thinking?

To make the most of parallel thinking, you need to be flexible and adaptable in order to adjust the technique to your specific situation. Additionally, you should be open and curious to listen to different points of view. Lastly, it is important to be positive and constructive in your feedback, and focus on the strengths and opportunities of the ideas. Following these tips and best practices will help you make the most of parallel thinking.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?