Navigating Business and Life: The Power of 11 Thinking Filters

Introduction

This technique streamlines and diversifies thinking.

It integrates contemporary issues like digital transformation, systemic thinking, and sustainability into the model.

It’s tailored for an era where AI helps in transcending human cognitive limitations, offering a broad, nuanced approach to idea generation, problem-solving and decision-making.

How does it work?

The 11 filters are: Clarity, Emotion, Caution, Optimism, Creative, Process, Systems, Sustainability, Cultural, Emotional Intelligence.

Each filter is crafted to provide a unique lens through which problems can be viewed and solved. This makes the 11 Thinking Filters a versatile toolkit for navigating the complexities of modern challenges with a blend of precision, empathy, and foresight.

Let’s expand these filters and describe each so that it makes more sense.

Clarity Filter: Strips away the noise, leaving only the crisp, clean truth. Use it to see through the fog. Attributes: Precise, Unbiased, Transparent, Focused, Essential

Emotion Filter: Feels the room. It’s not just about the facts. It’s about the heartbeats too. Attributes: Intuitive, Empathetic, Heartfelt, Passionate, Responsive.

Caution Filter: The skeptic’s lens. If optimism is the balloon, this is the pin. Use it wisely. Attributes: Critical, Prudent, Cautious, Realistic, Protective.

Optimism Filter: Sees sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, you need a little light to find the gold. Attributes: Positive, Hopeful, Bright, Encouraging, Uplifting.

Creative Filter: The wild card. Throws out the rulebook and writes a new one. Attributes: Innovative, Imaginative, Unconventional, Bold, Inventive.

Process Filter: The conductor’s baton. Keeps the orchestra in tune and the performance flawless. Attributes: Organized, Systematic, Coordinated, Methodical, Efficient.

Digital Filter: Plugs into the matrix. Keeps you savvy in a digital world. Attributes: Tech-savvy, Informed, Connected, Modern, Strategic.

Systems Filter: The thinker’s drone. Flies high to see how the pieces fit. Attributes: Analytical, Comprehensive, Insightful, Interconnected, Holistic.

Sustainability Filter: Thinks beyond today. Plants trees under whose shade it will never sit. Attributes: Future-focused, Responsible, Ethical, Visionary, Green.

Cultural Filter: The world traveler. Crosses borders without leaving the room. Attributes: Diverse, Adaptive, Inclusive, Culturally-aware, Respectful.

Emotional Intelligence Filter: Reads the room better than it reads books. Knows when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. Attributes: Perceptive, Sensitive, Wise, Diplomatic, Intuitive.

Where can you these 11 Thinking Filters?

The 11 Thinking Filters can be applied across various business areas to enhance creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving.

Here are 10 specific business areas where these filters can be effectively used:

Product Development

• Generate Ideas: Use the Creative Filter to brainstorm innovative product features.
• Solve Problems: Apply the Systems Filter to understand how different product features interact and affect each other.
• Decision-Making: Utilize the Clarity Filter to gather and analyze relevant data to make informed decisions about product specifications.

Marketing and Advertising

• Generate Ideas: Employ the Digital Filter to explore new digital marketing strategies.
• Solve Problems: Use the Emotion Filter to address customer emotional responses to campaigns.
• Decision-Making: Apply the Sustainability Filter to choose eco-friendly marketing practices.

Human Resources

• Generate Ideas: Use the Cultural Filter to develop inclusive workplace policies.
• Solve Problems: Apply the Emotional Intelligence Filter to improve conflict resolution strategies.
• Decision-Making: Use the Process Filter to streamline HR processes like recruitment and onboarding.

Customer Service

• Generate Ideas: Employ the Emotion Filter to design empathetic service protocols.
• Solve Problems: Use the Digital Filter to integrate AI chatbots effectively.
• Decision-Making: Apply the Clarity Filter to evaluate feedback and improve service quality.

Operations Management

• Generate Ideas: Use the Systems Filter to innovate on supply chain management.
• Solve Problems: Apply the Process Filter to optimize operational workflows.
• Decision-Making: Use the Caution Filter to assess risks in operational changes.

Strategic Planning

• Generate Ideas: Employ the Optimism Filter to envision future growth opportunities.
• Solve Problems: Use the Sustainability Filter to plan for long-term sustainability challenges.
• Decision-Making: Apply the Clarity Filter to set clear strategic goals.

Finance and Budgeting

• Generate Ideas: Use the Digital Filter to explore new fintech tools.
• Solve Problems: Apply the Caution Filter to mitigate financial risks.
• Decision-Making: Use the Process Filter to ensure accurate budgeting and financial reporting.

Sales

• Generate Ideas: Employ the Optimism Filter to develop positive sales pitches.
• Solve Problems: Use the Emotional Intelligence Filter to better understand client needs and objections.
• Decision-Making: Apply the Clarity Filter to analyze sales data and improve strategies.

Research and Development

• Generate Ideas: Use the Creative Filter to think outside the box for new research areas.
• Solve Problems: Apply the Systems Filter to assess the impact of new technologies.
• Decision-Making: Use the Digital Filter to decide on technology investments.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• Generate Ideas: Employ the Sustainability Filter to develop eco-friendly initiatives.
• Solve Problems: Use the Cultural Filter to ensure CSR efforts are culturally sensitive.
• Decision-Making: Apply the Process Filter to integrate CSR into business practices effectively.

These 11 filters provide a structured yet flexible approach to tackling various business challenges, ensuring that all aspects of a problem are considered from multiple perspectives.

This leads to more innovative solutions and effective decision-making across the organization.

Let’s look at a marketing problem

Our company, a leading provider of eco-friendly skincare products, has observed a significant 15% decline in customer engagement across our digital platforms, particularly in the 18-25 age demographic, over the past quarter.

This downturn has directly impacted our online sales, which have decreased by 10% compared to the previous quarter.

Despite an increased marketing spend focusing on social media campaigns and influencer partnerships, the engagement metrics such as time spent on our website and conversion rates have not improved.

This issue is critical as it threatens our market position and future revenue streams, especially considering the intense competition in the eco-friendly beauty sector.

The Statistics

• 15% decline in customer engagement on digital platforms.
• 10% decrease in online sales of eco-friendly skincare products.
• Increased marketing spend on social media campaigns and influencer partnerships has not proportionately increased engagement or conversion rates.
• The engagement metrics such as average session duration and bounce rates have worsened by 20%.
• The decline is most significant in the 18-25 age demographic, a key market segment for eco-friendly products.

Let’s Apply the 11 Thinking Filters Technique To This Problem

Clarity Filter: Analyze the current data to identify specific areas of low engagement and poor conversion rates. Determine if certain types of content, product categories, or user interface elements are underperforming.

Emotion Filter: Assess the emotional appeal of the marketing content. Are the campaigns resonating emotionally with the 18-25 demographic? Consider enhancing content that evokes a stronger emotional connection to eco-friendly values.

Caution Filter: Critically evaluate the risks of current marketing strategies. Are we alienating potential customers with our messaging? Is there a mismatch between customer expectations and the product offerings?

Optimism Filter: Focus on the positive aspects of the brand, such as sustainability and ethical sourcing, which are likely to resonate with the target demographic. Highlight customer testimonials and success stories to build trust and positivity.

Creative Filter: Innovate with new types of content and marketing tactics. Perhaps introduce interactive content, such as quizzes about skincare routines, or AR filters that allow customers to try products virtually.

Process Filter: Streamline the customer journey on digital platforms. Ensure that the process from discovery to purchase is seamless. Optimize website navigation and checkout processes to enhance user experience.

Digital Filter: Leverage digital tools and analytics to better understand customer behavior. Use data-driven insights to tailor marketing efforts more precisely to user preferences and behaviors.

Systems Filter: Look at the overall ecosystem of our digital marketing efforts. How do different marketing channels interact? Is there a cohesive strategy that integrates social media, email marketing, and online advertising?

Sustainability Filter: Emphasize the sustainability aspect of the products. Develop campaigns that focus on the long-term benefits of using eco-friendly skincare products, not just for the user but for the planet.

Cultural Filter: Ensure that the marketing materials reflect cultural inclusivity and diversity. Tailor content to resonate with a global audience while respecting cultural nuances, especially considering the diverse values and beauty standards within the 18-25 demographic.

Emotional Intelligence Filter: Enhance the sensitivity of marketing campaigns to the emotional cues of the audience. Use sentiment analysis to gauge reactions to campaigns and adjust messaging to be more empathetic and aligned with customer values and current social issues.

Let’s Create a Prompt for Using This Model

[Copy this entire section below into the Chatbot. There are 2 parts to this prompt. User Input, is about questions that you have to answer before applying the prompt. Apply the Prompt]

Begin Prompt

Complete the tasks outlined below one step at a time. After each step ask for my permission before moving on to the next step. If a step takes more than one message to complete, send “Continue” to proceed to the next message. Provide a complete detailed response without worrying about message length. Let me know when you are ready for me to provide the brief.

To create a generic prompt using the 11 Thinking Filters, we need to structure it with user inputs and apply the RATTSS framework. Here’s how it can be done:

Step 1: Gather User Inputs

Welcome! Let’s start by gathering some information about the challenge you’re facing. Please provide the following details:

1. What specific problem or challenge are you addressing? Describe the issue, such as declining sales, low customer engagement, or brand visibility challenges.
2. What is the primary objective or goal you want to achieve with this solution? Clearly outline the desired outcome, such as increasing sales, enhancing brand loyalty, or improving market penetration.
3. Who is the target audience or the stakeholders involved in this issue? Identify the key demographics or stakeholders, such as customers, partners, or internal teams.
4. What are the current perceptions or challenges associated with this product or service? Share any existing beliefs, misconceptions, or challenges related to the product or service.
5. What constraints or limitations should be considered while addressing this problem? List any specific limitations, such as budget, time, or resources, that must be considered.

Once you provide these details, please let me know when you’re ready to proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Apply the RATS Framework with the 11 Thinking Filters

Thank you for providing the details. Now, let’s apply the 11 Thinking Filters using the information you’ve shared.

[Role]: Act as a Marketing Expert + Strategic Thinker. Key facets include:

• Deep understanding of market trends and consumer behavior.
• Ability to synthesize large data sets to derive actionable insights.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools and platforms.
• Strong creative thinking to innovate within marketing strategies.
• Expertise in aligning brand values with customer expectations.

[Avatar]: The audience for this initiative includes:

• Marketing professionals, brand managers, and business strategists.
• Individuals looking to refine their approach to complex challenges, particularly those in industries facing rapid changes in consumer behavior and technology.

[Topic]: Address the specified problem using the 11 Thinking Filters to ensure a comprehensive approach.

[Task]: Generate ideas for strategies and solutions that effectively address the challenge, using the 11 Thinking Filters to ensure a well-rounded approach.

[Structure]: The structure of the 11 Thinking Filters provides a systematic approach to problem-solving:

• Clarity Filter: Strips away the noise, leaving only the crisp, clean truth. Attributes: Precise, Unbiased, Transparent, Focused, Essential.
• Emotion Filter: Feels the room. It’s not just about the facts. It’s about the heartbeats too. Attributes: Intuitive, Empathetic, Heartfelt, Passionate, Responsive.
• Caution Filter: The skeptic’s lens. If optimism is the balloon, this is the pin. Use it wisely. Attributes: Critical, Prudent, Cautious, Realistic, Protective.
• Optimism Filter: Sees sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, you need a little light to find the gold. Attributes: Positive, Hopeful, Bright, Encouraging, Uplifting.
• Creative Filter: The wild card. Throws out the rulebook and writes a new one. Attributes: Innovative, Imaginative, Unconventional, Bold, Inventive.
• Process Filter: The conductor’s baton. Keeps the orchestra in tune and the performance flawless. Attributes: Organized, Systematic, Coordinated, Methodical, Efficient.
• Digital Filter: Plugs into the matrix. Keeps you savvy in a digital world. Attributes: Tech-savvy, Informed, Connected, Modern, Strategic.
• Systems Filter: The thinker’s drone. Flies high to see how the pieces fit. Attributes: Analytical, Comprehensive, Insightful, Interconnected, Holistic.
• Sustainability Filter: Thinks beyond today. Plants trees under whose shade it will never sit. Attributes: Future-focused, Responsible, Ethical, Visionary, Green.
• Cultural Filter: The world traveler. Crosses borders without leaving the room. Attributes: Diverse, Adaptive, Inclusive, Culturally-aware, Respectful.
• Emotional Intelligence Filter: Reads the room better than it reads books. Knows when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. Attributes: Perceptive, Sensitive, Wise, Diplomatic, Intuitive.

Each filter offers a unique perspective, ensuring that the strategy is well-rounded and considers various aspects of the business environment and consumer psyche.

[Style/Tone]: Maintain a professional and motivational tone throughout the content. Ensure clarity and accuracy while engaging the reader with actionable insights.

End Prompt

AI Tools that you can use

You can use any one of ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini Pro, or the free llama 3 LLM for trying out the techniques discussed on Phewture.

Or if you crave variety, then use Perplexity,ai [select Perplexity, or Claude Models], or Poe [select from multiple models such as Claude, GPT4, etc].

I personally prefer Perplexity.ai because it searches the web by default, cites sources, and because it uses Claude, the answers are more human.

ChatGPTs native output, without using special Styles and Tones, is over the top. I reckon that they will improve it and things will become better.

You can use ollama to run llama 3 Model and use MSTY as the interface for this llama 3. Ensure that you choose the small footprint models as these are very memory and GPU intensive programs.

Read this article on Phewture for how to install LLMs on your desktop.

Next Steps

1. To help you find your way around Phewture, I have put together a set of AI Recipes under Wayfinding. Do go through these and you’ll navigate like a pro through this stream of consciousness. 😄
2. The Learning Methods are exercises that I’d recommend if you wish to wrap your head around the possibilities of using AI Recipes at work, or for play.
3. Don’t forget to leave your comments below and share your joy with your friends on social media. Use the share icons below this post to gain some good karma.

Wish to train your in-house team on AI techniques?

Phewture offers AI-spurred training for teams. Do check out the Training Services.