Definition of Lateral Thinking

When it comes to solving problems or facing new challenges, there are two possible ways: to follow established guidelines or to look for creative and innovative alternatives. In the latter case, we are talking about the thought side. This term is the translation of the original concept in English, "lateral thinking". It was coined by Oxford University psychologist Edward de Bono.

Vertical versus lateral thinking

Our conventional mind-sets are vertical. This approach is based on the logic and rationality of procedures scientists: we assimilate data, compare it, elaborate hypothesis, we contrast the facts with the statement of the hypothesis and try to draw conclusions. This model is valid on many occasions, but sometimes it is not suitable and, in fact, it has a limiting component.

Vertical thinking is governed by strictly rational analysis, while the lateral one "breaks the logic" and tries to reflect from the imagination.

Guidelines to train our ability

It is convenient to carry out activities other than the usual ones. Thus, a scientist who seeks solutions in an area of ​​knowledge can find inspiration in contexts far removed from his field of action, such as the

sport, mechanics or poetry.

There is no think that an area of ​​knowledge is fully defined in a conceptual framework, but there are connections with all kinds of knowledge. The forms of nature and mathematics are explained through fractals, some religious phenomena can be understood through knowledge of the neurology and an athlete's athletic performance is significantly improved by incorporating mental relaxation techniques. In short, the procedures in some areas are applicable to others.

If we have to face a global problem, it is convenient to break it down into different parts. Thus, with the different separate "pieces" we can now freely combine them with the intention of finding the solution to the original problem.

The creativity It should not be based simply on the search for things different from those that already exist, but it is necessary to incorporate the idea of ​​utility. In this way, we are really creative if new ideas introduce a degree of pragmatism (making doors with hexagonal shape seems creative but it is a very impractical proposal and does not solve a trouble).

In the eagerness to find new ideas, do not interpret that the error is a failure

Quite often the final success of a project is preceded by a large number of mistakes.

Provocation is a lateral thinking tool. In this sense, Edward de Bono proposes to think "outside the box". We are all conditioned by personal mental patterns embedded in a tradition cultural, but those same patterns become a prison for creative thinking.

Photos: Fotolia - Nomad_Soul / Nikita Vasilchenko

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