Human Skill Development: Lateral Thinking

Edward de Bono introduced the concept of lateral thinking in 1967.   Also called creative thinking, the process challenges people to solve problems by using more than logical reasoning (often called vertical thinking).

Lateral thinking is a skill and can be built and improved.

This post gives a short, high-level explanation of techniques that can be used to improve lateral thinking skills.

Techniques

The lateral thinking techniques discussed are from de Bono and others.

This is only a partial list of what could be done.

Awareness

Being aware of how the brain processes information allows you to choose to look at things differently.  

The brain normally relies on old thought patterns.  Once enough sensory information is gathered to get the brain to the beginning of an existing pattern, it naturally carries out the rest of the pattern.  

Lateral thinking involves leaving these patterns and looking for a different answer.

Random Stimulation

Consider this the opposite of concentration.  

Instead of blocking out stimuli, you seek them out.  

Concentration may include blocking out sounds, going to your thinking place, talking with the same people , etc.  Random stimulation disrupts your routine for logical thinking to allow for creative thinking.  You actively look for new stimuli, put yourself in new environments, talk to different people, etc.

Alternatives

The idea behind this is straightforward: the more time you spend looking for alternatives, the better alternatives you can uncover.  

Even when you think you have an obvious solution, continue seeking out alternative approaches.  

At some point it becomes impractical to keep considering alternatives and a decision needs to be made.  Challenge yourself to go past your normal cutoff point and you may end up with unexpected results.

Alteration

Change elements of your existing problem-solving process.  

This could include:

• Doing the opposite of what is implied
• Reversing the relationship between problem elements
• Ignoring assumptions
• Breaking large patterns into smaller fragments
• Translating a relationship/connection to an analogy and then translate it back

Transitional Objects

Transitional objects are people or things that have specific characteristics or qualities that you can use as inspiration for new ideas.

Thinking through how the object relates to your problem can open up new possibilities.

For example, consider how [enter person’s name] would approach this situation.

Subtracting

Subtracting means to take something out of the equation.

“What would happen if we didn’t do [something]”

Starting with the Wrong Answer

Sometimes when you don’t see a path forward it is easier to start eliminating the things that you don’t want to happen.

“What should we definitely not do in this situation?”

This approach can be a more efficient way to solve a problem.

Changing the Story

This means to change the fundamental plot of your situation.

In his book, The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories, Christopher Booker defines different archetypes (familiar storylines that allow you to easily understand events or people) or plots.  If you can determine which one fits your situation then you can reframe your story under a different plot and end up in a different place.

The plots are:

• Overcoming the monster

• The hero sets out to defeat an opposing, often evil, force that threatens the hero and/or their homeland.

• Quests

• The hero and possibly companions set out to get somewhere or to acquire something important to them. There are obstacles and temptations they are forced to face along the way.

• Rags to Riches

• The hero starts out with nothing or very little, acquires power, wealth, status, a mate, etc., loses whatever they acquired, and gains it all back.  They ultimately grow as a person because of the experiences.

• Rebirth

• An event forces the hero to change their ways and become a better person

• Tragedy

• The hero has a major character flaw or great mistake that is ultimately their undoing. Their end evokes pity and the destruction of a fundamentally good person.

• Voyage and Return

• The hero goes to a strange land and, after overcoming the threats there or learning important lessons unique to that location, returns to their land with new knowledge and experience.

• Comedy

• Light and humorous character with a happy or cheerful ending.  A dramatic work in which the central motif is the triumph over adverse circumstances.  More than just humor, comedy shows a pattern where the conflict becomes more confusing over time and then is made plain with a single clarifying event (most romance films are in this category).

Challenge Your Habits

Break free from your normal ways of thinking about problems. 

There is a better way to do everything even if you can’t see it yet. 

Conclusion

Lateral thinking may seem unnatural at first because it works against how the brain “wants” to work.  

It is a skill that is worth learning and developing so you can have another tool to solve problems.