Last week on my blog we talked about differences in creative routines. Lateral thinking is a manner of solving problems using an indirect and creative approach via. Also, if x y, y z, then concluding that x z is another example of linear thinking. At school the emphasis has traditionally always been on vertical thinking which is effective but incomplete. Linear thinkers put things in order as they experience them in a sequential manner, like a straight line. But whereas insight, creativity and humour can only be prayed for, lateral thinking is a more deliberate process. To understand lateral thinking, it is necessary to compare lateral thinking and critical thinking. Lateral thinking is the process of using information to bring about creativity and insight restructuring. Nonlinear thought increases possible outcomes by not being so certain about the starting point for any logic process.
This breaks old habits and forces us to invent new ways of looking at solutions. Imagine a simple one lane road equals linear thinking then imagine a simple one lane road that has an off ramp that just expands into a unknowing width, length and or direction equals lateral thinkings the notion was formalized into the term by a. This book is about lateral thinking which is the process of using information to bring about creativity and insight restructuring. It could be said that it is the opposite of lateral thinking. Although there are many possible solutions which fit the initial conditions, only the canonical answer is truly satisfying. This book is intended for use both at home and at school. Traditional western thinking system is based upon linear logic. His lateral thinking tools are based directly on how the brain functions as a selforganizing information system. The first practical explanation of how creativity works, this resultsoriented bestseller trains listeners to move beyond a vertical mode of thought to tap the potential of lateral thinking. Example of linear thinking b comes after a, is an example of linear thinking.
I introduced the new term serious creativity in my book serious creativity. We provide a list of all of his works and links to training. What is the difference between lateral thinking and linear. Lateral thinking is a manner of solving problems using an indirect and creative approach via reasoning that is not immediately obvious. This book and its concepts should be introduced in our primary education system and kids should be taught to inculcate lateral thinking in heir day by day world. Get everything you need from the books you dont have time to read. Lateral thinking is a technique used to induce innovation in idea creation by trying to shift patterns of thought off their linear and predictable trajectory using unconnected inputs to. The condition of students actually wants learning that requires the use of their thinking to solve problems with diverse solutions. Lateral thinking is the mental process of generating ideas and solving problems by looking at a situation or problem from a unique perspective. Analytical thinking the ability to visualise, articulate, and solve both complex and uncomplicated problems and concepts to make decisions that are sensible and based on available information. It is possible to acquire skill in it just as it is possible to acquire skill in mathematics. Thinking presented by ayush jain himanshu sukhija saurabh jain rochak vishnoi prerna arora topics. Lateral thinking is closely related to insight, creativity and humour. Linear thinking is based on logic, rules and rationality or sustained reason to solve a problem.
This approach has a linear direction and is restricted by logic. Lateral thinking term was coined by edward debono in 1967 and is about how we perceive or. The problem with linear thinking is that it is too narrow. Linear thinkers brains are wired differently than nonlinear thinkers. In linear thinking, we consider that one thing leads to another in a stepwise fashion. Leadership challenges in linear thinkers blog jody. Lateral thinking can be learned, practiced and used. Vertical thinking is a type of approach to problems that usually involves one being selective, analytical, and sequential. He calls one vertical thinking, which uses the processes of logicthe traditional, historical method. The top ten lateral thinking puzzles destination innovation. How does critical differ from analytical or lateral thinking. He is widely regarded as the leading authority in the direct teaching of thinking as a skill. Instead of linear or vertical thinking, which relies solely on logic, lateral thinking is a deliberate, systematic process of using your ability to think in a different way.
Linear thinking vs lateral thinking 1 thought reason. As the name suggests, linear thinking takes a sequential, patterned, orderly and systematic approach to decision making and problem solving. Creative thinking, creativity, lateral thinking, linear thinking it is said that it takes all kinds. Critical thinking is primarily concerned with judging the truth value of statements and seeking. Back in january 2007, i wrote a post titled the problems with linear thinking where i highlight the issues with people falling into the linear thinking trap. A man walks into a bar and asks the barman for a glass of water. Lateral thinking technique santa barbara city college. Whereas linear logic is useful in certain areas of the thinking process, it is almost entirely left brain based, allowing little. A straight line between two points has been the way we. As engineers software, chemical, mechanical or electrical, information technology specialists, accountants and other researchbased professionals, their linear style of thinking generally serves them well in their chosen professions. Nonlinear thinkers tend to jump forward, and from side to side through the steps of a project, in an effort to see the big picture and tackle those areas where they have the most interest.
He is the inventor of the phrase lateral thinking which is now in the oxford english dictionary. Lateral thinking techniques the peak performance center. First published in 1967 as the use of lateral thinking, this classic international bestseller remains as relevant to learning, problem solving and creative thinking. I learn that lateral thinking is a problem solving through an indirect approach by using creativity. Linear thinking is based on logic, rules and rationality to solve a problem. Yet linear thinking leads us to believe that is all we need to know. The use of lateral thinking in the generation of new. He originated the concept of lateral thinking and developed formal techniques for deliberate. Linear thinking is not just a challenge in hiring new employees.
Develop thinking as a skill using methods such as lateral thinking and six thinking hats. Lateral thinking involves looking at a situation or problem from a unique or unexpected point of view. One of my favourite books and im not a fan of business books by and large. In this post, i talk about lateral thinking when it comes to hiring people and thinking creatively. We are all familiar with the concept of brainstorming, whereby a group of people throw out ideas, all of which are recorded, none of which are judged or evaluated, and when the ideas run out we look at the whole list. Linear thinking is the process of thought following known stepbystep progression where a response to a step must be elicited before another step is taken.
Linear thinking versus systems thinking scott miker. We know creative thinking is a skill that can be learned and we. Lateral thinking is a technique where you vere from the normal or linear straight path way of problem solving to a nonlinear or lateral thinking. These proven methods make insight, creativity, and innovation happen. Another definition of linear thinking includes responding to one stimuli. He talks about linear and lateral thinking as creative processes. This is probably the best known and most celebrated of all lateral thinking puzzles. What are analytical, critical and lateral thinking skills. Linear thinkers tend to be good at maths, science, and technical subjects. It is the ability to think creatively or outside the box. What is the difference between linear and nonlinear thinking. Lateral thinking is the step by step process developed by dr. A worldrenowned writer and philosopher, he is the leading authority in the field of creative thinking and the direct teaching of thinking as a skill. Linear thinking also known as vertical thinking and lateral thinking.
Goodreads members who liked lateral thinking also liked. Packed full of over 60 different quality lateral thinking puzzles, this book gives you the chance to exercise your brainpower to think laterally and to seek to solve. What is the difference between lateral thinking and linear thinking. The science of lateral thinking and millions of other books are available for. Lateral thinking involves breaking away from traditional modes of thinking and discarding established patterns and preconceived notions. This saying is often applied to life and the world in general, it also applies in the world of success and life change. Neither linear or lateral thinking is the right answer for every situation. Lateral thinking lateral thinking is the step by step approach to creativity. Read this book and over 1 million others with a kindle unlimited membership. Involving ideas that requires step by step logic as the answer may not obvious. Linear thinking can cause group think and other dangerous mindsets to develop within an organization and this type of thinking can absolutely kill innovation. Creative thinking how to get out of the box and generate ideas. Lateral thinking involves solving problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be.
This book gives am idea on what lateral thinking is, how it alongside vertical thinking is the most deadliest tool an individual can have in solving any problem. This saying is often applied to life and the world in general, it. In my hunt for jack reacher series thrillers, fbi special agent kim otto is a lateral thinker, often at odds with the linearthinking carlos gaspar as a lateral thinker, kim otto. Find books like lateral thinking from the worlds largest community of readers. Reality says that there is much more at any given time than a simple start and finish or cause and effect. A way of thinking that seeks a solution to an intractable problem through unorthodox methods or elements that would normally be ignored by logical thinking.
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