What is Lateral Thinking?

Lateral Thinking is a powerful method to use the unused potential of brain. This is originally propounded by Edward De Bono.  In this post various simple methods which can bring about lateral thinking capabilities in a reader are described. This post will surely help all CAT aspirants and future managers.

Lateral Thinking Methods or Skills-

There are a number of mental tools or methods that can be used to bring about lateral thinking. These include the following-

Random Entry: Choose an object at random, and associate that with the area you are thinking about. This is also called the method of focal objects.

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Tags: 6 thinking hats, edward de bono, Lateral thinking, logical thinking, what is lateral thinking

Logical Reasoning vs. Lateral Thinking

LATERAL THINKING

Lateral thinking is an idea generation and problem solving technique in which new concepts are created by looking at things in novel ways. The term was coined by Dr. Edward de Bono in his 1970 book ‘Lateral Thinking.’“You cannot look in a new direction by looking harder in the same direction” - Edward de Bono

Difference between Logical Reasoning and Lateral thinking

Lateral thinking is not a substitute for Logical reasoning. Both are required. During brainstorming meetings, you encourage lateral thinking during the first session to generate as much creative solutions as possible, and logical thinking during the second session to select the feasible ideas.

Logical (vertical) thinking carries a chosen idea forward. Lateral thinking provokes fresh ideas or changes the frame of reference

Vertical thinking tries to overcome problems by meeting them head-on. Lateral thinking tries to bypass them through a radically different approach

Lateral thinking is not a substitute for Logical reasoning. Both are required. During brainstorming meetings, you encourage lateral thinking during the first session to generate as much creative solutions as possible, and logical thinking during the second session to select the feasible ideas.

Parallel thinking espouses the idea that we must organize our thinking and should not allow our thought to wander around. Parallel Thinking ensures we do only one sort of thinking at a time and the six different colored hats of Six Thinking Hats allows us to wear one hat at a time, each representing different modes of thought:

1. White Hat – Gathers needed and known information

2. Red Hat – Expression of feelings, emotions, hunches and intuitive thoughts

3. Yellow Hat – Expresses values, feasibility and the benefits to the situation/idea at hand

4. Green Hat – Generates alternatives and explores creative ideas

5. Black Hat – Focuses on the cautions and difficulties that may arise with an idea

6. Blue Hat – Manages the framework of the thinking process

Tags: edward de bono, Lateral thinking, Logical Reasoning, mind power, Parallel thinking, six thinking hats