Unorthodox, non-linear ways of thinking enable innovation and progress. Then find out why lateral thinking is important for finding solutions to problems and new opportunities.
You can approach problems and challenges with a logical, linear, and rational approach to thinking or develop lateral thinking to find creative solutions. The psychologist and philosopher Edward De Bono has been promoting an innovative, novel, and unconventional way of thinking for years, which has great advantages in all areas of life.
We can improve this power tool through training and use it to find surprising answers and ideas.
"Horizontal reasoning isn't searching for the right response, but instead an alternate point of view to give an imaginative, unforeseen, and functional response."
Edward De Bono
Lateral thinking: what is it?
This way of thinking, also known as lateral thinking, looks for unusual and surprising solutions that arise from illogical, unpredictable, or absurd ideas. However, the lateral and vertical approaches to thinking are not mutually exclusive, quite the opposite: they complement each other and, when combined, are excellent solution tools. We will then go into more detail about the various steps that make lateral thinking possible.
1. Question beliefs
Lateral thinking requires leaving behind rigid, conventional thought patterns. What is taken for granted and dominant ideas must be questioned and accepted concepts must be reconsidered. We must not allow ourselves to be limited by traditional structures and ways of thinking. New perspectives are necessary to develop effective, innovative, and unusual solutions.
Example
A truck gets stuck under a bridge. A group of clever technicians figured out how to remove the vehicle without damaging the structure itself. After several hours of thinking about different ideas, a child shows up. His curious and unconventional attitude challenges the rigid ways of thinking of adults. It finds a practical solution: let the air out of the truck's tires.
2. New, non-linear ways of thinking
The International Journal of Progressive Education emphasizes that innovation requires new ways of thinking. We live in a complex, competitive society and need transformative, useful, and practical tools to leave rigid structures behind.
Lateral thinking is a powerful tool that makes innovation, new creation, and transformation possible.
Example
A man strolls into a bar and requests a glass of water. The bartender reaches under the counter, pulls out a gun, and points it at him. Afterward, the man says goodbye and says: “Thank you!”
What happened? Lateral thinking will help you answer this question. The man who came into the bar had hiccups and wanted a glass of water. The bartender wanted to scare him with the gun to help him.
3. Multiple perspectives and ways of looking at things
Lateral thinking requires different approaches in order to find as many ideas and possible solutions as possible. What may initially seem absurd can produce an extraordinary, innovative, and unconventional result. The problem must be examined from different angles, using curiosity, imagination, and creativity.
Example
An entrepreneur has to find investors for her company. The easiest way is to reach out to people she knows and trusts. However, she decides to take new paths: she presents her ideas in an original and challenging way in order to find new opportunities in other countries.
4. Let your thoughts flow freely
In order to generate new, unconventional ideas, thoughts must be able to flow freely. We need to focus on “unimportant” details, analyze details, and recognize illogical connections that allow for new avenues of thought. The creative flow helps you to develop “crazy” ideas outside the norm. When you stop trying to control your thoughts, you can use your intuition and random concepts to generate novel ideas.
You can then select the best options and evaluate them critically and analytically.
Example
King Solomon had to help two women who claimed to be the mother of the same child. The ruler ordered the child to be cut in half to give each half. The real mother immediately gave up her claim in order to save the child's life.
5. Recognizing thought patterns (metacognition)
As described in the journal NPJ Science of Learning, metacognition is the human ability to be aware of thought processes. Lateral thinking requires monitoring your own thought patterns and recognizing cognitive distortions.
Example
A father asks his daughter to solve the following riddle: “A man takes his car to a hotel and then realizes he is broke. How is that possible?" to find the absolute most unique response, the young lady investigates her reasoning and thoughts. The response: "The man is playing Restraining infrastructure."
Lateral thinking has many advantages
Edward De Bono emphasized the great benefits of lateral thinking for society. The development of this technique allows us to look at problems from different angles. Lateral thinking is the foundation for change and innovation. These new ways of thinking have many advantages:
- Personal development: You can use it to optimize your problem-solving skills, expand your horizons, and recognize new perspectives.
- Business Innovation: Lateral thinking enables progress, new market opportunities, and solving professional challenges.
- Problem and conflict resolution: This way of thinking is very helpful when there are differences of opinion in order to find solutions that are acceptable to everyone.
- Informed decisions: Lateral thinking helps you make successful decisions in various areas of life.
- Creativity: New ways of thinking promote creativity and question the conventional. An excellent tool for innovation in areas such as art, design, advertising, technology, science, etc.
Lateral thinking in the corporate sector
Lateral thinking is one of the important pillars of success in a company. The key is to use this tool in combination with new technologies to generate progress and new product ideas. Lateral thinking can be very beneficial in teamwork and can be implemented with the following strategies:
- Creativity incentives: reinforcements, rewards, and recognition for innovative ideas.
- Brainstorming and brainwriting: incentive for unconventional ideas and proposed solutions.
- Successful case studies: Analyzing companies that successfully use lateral thinking can serve as inspiration.
- Multidisciplinary teams: Creating teams with different expertise brings diversity and the opportunity to always look at the same problem from different perspectives.
- Examples and Pilots: Conducting pilots or experiments that build on innovative ideas allows companies to test new solutions before introducing them.
- Creativity Techniques: Edward De Bono's Six Thinking Hats Technique and other techniques promote innovation.
- Problem-solving techniques: This allows interpersonal conflicts, problems, and disagreements to be resolved respectfully.
Lateral thinking, a power tool
In a world full of challenges, lateral thinking enables unconventional and surprising solutions that mean innovation and progress. New ways of thinking and perspectives bring surprising opportunities and practical results that help you succeed.
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