By Did you know that there is a type of unorthodox and non-linear thinking that helps you create innovative ideas? Below we tell you what it is and how to apply it.
In life, in your relationships and in your work environment, you can solve problems in two ways. First, through logical, linear and rational reasoning. Second, by using an approach that psychologist and philosopher Edward De Bono called lateral thinking. It consists of offering innovative and thoughtful solutions that go beyond classic deductive processing.
Thinking laterally is the foundation of creativity and a skill that we can all enhance. It is daring to go beyond the predictable to make imagination and intuition your best allies. Every company benefits from this type of cognitive mechanism and, therefore, we detail everything you should know about this sphere of power.
“In lateral thinking, one does not look for the correct answer, but rather a different disposition to see things in order to be able to offer an innovative, unexpected and practical response.”
~ Edward De Bono (Lateral Thinking: A Handbook of Creativity, 1970) ~
Lateral thinking: definition and characteristics
Lateral thinking is a form of reasoning that seeks out-of-the-box and often surprising solutions. Instead of following a linear or predictable sequence of steps like logical or top-down processing, it breaks away from established rules and comes up with simple, yet extraordinary, proposals.
This concept was developed by Maltese psychologist Edward De Bono in the 1960s. His book Lateral Thinking: A Handbook of Creativity (1970) was a reference in this field. This creative and indirect way of thinking gives rise to great contributions, but the vertical and lateral approaches are not mutually exclusive. We explain their characteristics below.
Questioning assumptions
Lateral thinking involves questioning underlying beliefs and rigid patterns that often limit conventional reasoning. It encourages you to challenge yourself, to doubt what is usually taken for granted in order to consider new perspectives. This will allow you to form practical, yet highly effective, ideas and solutions .
Example
A truck is stuck under a bridge. A group of brainy technicians think of a way to remove the vehicle from the bridge without damaging the structure itself. After several hours of mulling over various ideas, a child arrives.
With his curious and unconventional outlook, the first thing he does is question everything the adults say. Then he offers his solution: all you have to do is deflate the truck’s tires.
Non-linearity
The International Journal of Progressive Education highlights the need for people to be able to think differently and be open to innovation. After all, in a social environment as complex and competitive as the current one, this resource is a very useful and transformative tool. And the good news is that you can always develop it.
One of the characteristics that you will like to keep in mind is that it does not follow a rigid structure when it comes to reasoning and processing information. Unlike logical or linear thinking, which applies a sequence of predictable steps, lateral thinking jumps from one idea to another randomly. That is its magic and potential.
Example
A man walks into a bar and asks for a glass of water. The bartender reaches under the counter, pulls out a gun and points it at him. The bartender then says goodbye, thanking him. What happened? Did he try to rob him? To understand this, try not to take a linear approach and use your imagination: the guy had hiccups and the owner of the bar helped him.
Exploring multiple perspectives
This way of thinking always starts by exploring multiple approaches and solutions in parallel. Instead of limiting itself to a single route, lateral reasoning considers a variety of possibilities and connections. Some examples of this cognitive approach to solving a problem would be:
- Look for several alternatives
- Don’t settle for just one solution
- Evaluate all sides of a problem
- He always uses curiosity and imagination
- Even though the resolutions seem obvious, try to go a little further
Example
A businesswoman must look for investors for her business. The most common thing is to try to find people she already knows and who trust her. However, she decides to take the leap and look in other countries, making original and challenging presentations of her ideas.
Generate divergent ideas
Another of their particular traits is generating a wide range of ideas, often strange or unconventional. People who tend to use this thinking methodology know that, when solving a problem, it is key to come up with many unique and sometimes even bizarre ideas. The subsequent evaluation will be the one that chooses the most useful idea.
Example
Two women came to King Solomon, claiming to be the mother of the same child. To resolve the conflict, the king proposed dividing the child into two halves, giving each woman one of the parts. The real mother immediately gave up her claim to the child in order to save her life. The doubt was resolved.
Recognize thought patterns (metacognition)
As explained in the journal Science of Learning , metacognition is the ability that people have to be aware of how they think in order to regulate this process. You will be interested to know that lateral reasoning is concerned with monitoring one’s own thinking and detecting any type of cognitive bias.
Example
A father asks his daughter to solve the following riddle: “A man drives his car into a hotel and then discovers that he is bankrupt. How is this possible?” The little girl knows that her father always gives her very imaginative challenges.
He restrains his impulsiveness and avoids, above all, saying the first thing that comes to mind. He monitors the way he processes information, striving to find the most original answer possible. Until he gets it: “Actually, that man is playing Monopoly.”
What is the use of this kind of thinking?
Edward De Bono defined this type of thinking, emphasizing its great usefulness for society. Developing this technique allows people to approach problems from different points of view. Something like this acts as a trigger for change, as an exercise in social transformation and a tool for well-being. Let’s look at its purposes:
- Personal development: Practicing this type of reasoning greatly optimizes your problem-solving skills, fosters creativity, and expands your mind.
- Business innovation: stimulates innovation, helps identify new market opportunities and find more efficient ways to address business challenges.
- Problem solving : This cognitive resource allows you to explore a wide range of possibilities and find innovative solutions, which may not have been apparent through more traditional approaches.
- Conflict Resolution: In situations of adversity or disagreement, this thinking helps to find alternative solutions that satisfy all parties involved, rather than adhering to rigid approaches.
- Generating project ideas: If you’re working on a creative project, such as developing a product, planning an event, or creating content, lateral thinking is helpful for generating fresh and exciting ideas.
- Make informed decisions: Keep in mind that this tool helps you decide on important aspects of your daily life by considering different perspectives and approaches. It will guide you to evaluate options from unusual angles and make more informed decisions.
- Creativity: It fosters creativity by challenging the limitations of conventional thinking and encouraging the generation of novel ideas. It is a valuable tool for innovation in fields such as design, advertising, technology, arts, science, etc.
How is it applied in companies?
Lateral reasoning is the pillar that builds the success of any organization. But the key is how to apply it and know how to structure this sphere throughout human capital. The journal European Research on Management and Business Economics describes something striking in this area. It is obvious that it is essential to digitalize every company to improve its performance.
However, new technologies must always be accompanied by a strategy based on innovation and creativity to promote their true advancement. At this point, cognitive laterality will act as the best ally for teams. We describe how it can be introduced into daily life:
- Incentives for creativity: offering reinforcements, rewards and recognition for innovative ideas will create an environment where originality is encouraged.
- Brainstorming : Based on encouraging employees to generate proposals without restrictions and to think unconventionally, this technique is always very useful.
- Success case studies: Studying cases of companies that have successfully used lateral thinking to solve problems or innovate in their industry can serve as inspiration.
- Multidisciplinary teams: forming work teams trained in different skills brings diversity and the opportunity to always have different perspectives on the same problem.
- Examples and pilot projects: Carrying out pilot projects or experiments based on ideas generated through innovative thinking leads companies to test new solutions before implementing them on a large scale.
- Creativity techniques: It never hurts for human resources or specialized mentors to teach employees specific creativity strategies, such as Edward De Bono’s 6 thinking hats technique.
- Problem-solving techniques: As we have already pointed out, this resource is very useful for conflict resolution. Enabling people to address challenges, discrepancies and interpersonal problems is a basic and essential exercise.
Thinking laterally, a power tool
In a world full of challenges and opportunities, cognitive laterality shines like a beacon in every social environment. Thanks to this strategy, you illuminate unconventional paths to reveal surprising solutions.
By breaking free from the chains of conventional logic, you will open the doors to creativity, innovation, and the possibility of changing the world in unexpected ways.
Try to train this approach and internal gaze that combines daring and challenge. Also, keep in mind that thinking laterally is not at odds with reasoning vertically. Both resources can be applied in a combined way to arrive at exceptional, useful and novel ideas. Are you up for it?