A not-for-profit leader asked me: “Should we put our limited budget into digital ads?” On the surface, it seemed like a yes/no question. But instead of asking AI directly, I guided them to use AI more deeply.
I prompted the AI to run the decision through Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats®, a framework that looks at facts, feelings, risks, benefits, creativity, and process. The AI didn’t just offer one answer, it surfed multiple lenses: identifying that while ad cost was clear, expected reach wasn’t, a critical insight. It also raised potential board member reactions, flagged risks, and offered creative alternatives.
Why this matters for NFPs
Frameworks like this help leaders move beyond gut reactions. They offer a structured way to weigh options, uncover blind spots, and explain decisions clearly to boards and funders.
The lesson: With the right framework, AI isn’t just a tool; it becomes a thinking partner.
👉 Want to try it yourself? Copy and paste this prompt:
“Act as if you are applying Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats to this decision: [insert your decision]. For each hat (white: facts, red: feelings, black: risks, yellow: benefits, green: creativity, blue: process), give me insights and questions I should consider before deciding.”
If you’d like to explore the thinking model further, here’s the official source: Edward de Bono’s site: six-thinking-hats.com.
What big decision in your organisation could you run through the Six Hats?
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