Parallel thinking

Parallel thinking is a problem-solving approach that focuses on generating multiple solutions to a problem in a creative, collaborative environment. It is a type of lateral thinking that seeks to broaden the range of ideas and perspectives available for consideration. It is commonly used in management for strategic decision-making, as it encourages teams to come up with innovative solutions that have not been previously explored. In parallel thinking, teams brainstorm ideas and evaluate them in an open and collaborative setting, allowing team members to draw on their diverse experiences and perspectives. This approach helps to foster creativity and build effective problem-solving skills.

Example of parallel thinking

• In a business setting, a team of managers might use parallel thinking to come up with strategies for expanding into a new market. The team can brainstorm different ideas and evaluate them as a group, drawing on their collective knowledge and experience to come up with creative solutions that they may not have thought of on their own.
• In a medical setting, a team of doctors might use parallel thinking to come up with a treatment plan for a complex diagnosis. The team can discuss different options and weigh the pros and cons of each, considering their collective expertise and the patient's individual needs to come up with the best possible solution.
• In an educational setting, a team of teachers might use parallel thinking to come up with new ways to engage their students. The team can brainstorm different activities, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each to determine which will be the most effective in teaching the students.

When to use parallel thinking

Parallel thinking is a powerful problem-solving approach that encourages creative and collaborative thinking. It can be used in a variety of situations, including:

• Strategic Planning: Parallel thinking helps teams generate and evaluate a range of potential strategies in an open and collaborative environment. It encourages teams to come up with innovative solutions that have not been considered before.
• Decision Making: Parallel thinking can help teams to make more informed decisions by exposing them to a range of ideas and perspectives that they may not have considered before.
• Ideation: Parallel thinking can be used to generate a wide range of ideas for a variety of purposes, such as product development or marketing campaigns. It encourages teams to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions.
• Problem Solving: Parallel thinking helps teams to identify and evaluate a range of potential solutions to a problem. It encourages collaboration and helps teams to develop effective problem-solving skills.

Types of parallel thinking

Parallel thinking is a problem-solving approach that focuses on generating multiple solutions to a problem in a creative, collaborative environment. It is a type of lateral thinking that seeks to broaden the range of ideas and perspectives available for consideration. There are several types of parallel thinking which can be used to address a variety of issues:

• Divergent Thinking – This type of parallel thinking involves exploring a variety of possibilities through brainstorming and generating new ideas. This is an effective way to brainstorm and evaluate ideas in order to find the best solution.
• Convergent Thinking – This type of parallel thinking involves looking at different ideas and narrowing them down to one or a few viable solutions. This is an effective way to evaluate ideas and decide on the best solution.
• Synectics – This type of parallel thinking involves using metaphorical thinking to generate new ideas and solutions. This is an effective way to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions.
• Role-Playing – This type of parallel thinking involves imagining different perspectives and scenarios in order to come up with new ideas and solutions. This is an effective way to explore different viewpoints and gain insight into potential solutions.
• Appreciative Inquiry – This type of parallel thinking involves focusing on the positive aspects of a problem and looking for ways to build on existing strengths. This is an effective way to focus on the positives and come up with solutions that will help to create a better future.

Advantages of parallel thinking

Parallel thinking is a problem solving approach that encourages teams to come up with innovative and creative solutions. It has many advantages, such as:

• Increased creativity: Parallel thinking encourages teams to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to complex problems.
• Expanded perspectives: As team members come from different backgrounds and experiences, they can draw on their diverse perspectives to develop new ideas.
• Improved problem-solving skills: Through the collaborative nature of parallel thinking, team members can learn from each other and become better problem solvers.
• Increased collaboration: Parallel thinking encourages collaboration between team members, allowing them to work together to find the best solution.
• Enhanced team building: Parallel thinking helps to build trust and understanding between team members, which can improve overall team performance.

Limitations of parallel thinking

Parallel thinking is a powerful problem-solving tool, but it also has some limitations. These include:

• Lack of Focus: By having multiple solutions being generated at once, the team may struggle to narrow down the best solution, as attention is split across multiple ideas.
• Groupthink: In an effort to move quickly, the team may be tempted to follow a single idea or solution rather than exploring the full range of possibilities.
• Unproductive Conflict: Without clear guidelines, the team may become embroiled in conflict over the best approach, rather than focusing on finding the most effective solution.
• Over-Collaboration: If a team is too focused on collaboration, they may miss out on the opportunity to come up with new ideas and solutions.
• Time Constraints: When working within tight timeframes, it can be difficult to generate a wide range of ideas and properly evaluate all the options.

Other approaches related to parallel thinking

Parallel thinking is not the only problem-solving approach that encourages creativity and collaboration. Other similar approaches include:

• Brainstorming, which is focused on generating as many ideas as possible in a short period of time. It encourages team members to come up with creative and unique solutions through open discussion, without any judgement or criticism.
• Design Thinking, which is a structured approach to problem-solving that focuses on the user’s needs. It encourages teams to come up with innovative solutions and products by taking a human-centered approach to design.
• Systematic Innovation, which is a method of problem-solving based on a structured and systematic approach. It helps teams to come up with creative and effective solutions by breaking down complex problems into smaller parts.

In summary, parallel thinking is one of several problem-solving approaches that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovative solutions. Other related approaches include brainstorming, design thinking, and systematic innovation.

Parallel thinking — recommended articles

Tolerance for ambiguity — Creative thinking skills — Complex problem solving — Integrative thinking — Types of creativity — Creative problem solving — Process of learning — Intellectual diversity — Transfer of knowledge

References

• Cohen, M. D. (1981). The power of parallel thinking. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 2(4), 285-306.
• Calude, C. S., & Casti, J. L. (1998). Parallel thinking. Nature, 392(6676), 549-551.