Lateral thinking allows one to be wrong or irrelevant at times, in order to achieve a correct solution in the end. We generally learn in sequence, and organize in the same type of order as most everyone else like filing things according to. There is nothing wrong with being a vertical thinker. A lateral thinker is a person who uses lateral thinking to tackle issues or problems. Lateral thinking how can lateral thinking help you. Critical thinking is primarily concerned with judging the true value of statements and seeking errors whereas lateral thinking focuses more on the movement value of statements and ideas. Lateral thinking involves coming at the problem from new directions literally, from the side. Mar 23, 2009 he describes lateral thinking as a special kind of thinking that is distinct from ordinary logic which he terms vertical thinking.
Vertical thinking involves working out the solution stepbystep from the given data. According to wikipedia, vertical thinking is a type of approach to problems that usually involves one being selective, analytical, and sequential. They are the analysts of the world, the star student with the highest grades and they dont make many mistakes. It seems to be 140 pages of arguments regarding why lateral thinking is important and how it is better than vertical thinking, instead of empowering the reader with skills one can apply in practice. First published in 1967 as the use of lateral thinking, this classic international bestseller remains as relevant to learning, problem solving and creative thinking today as it did when it was first published. Apr 16, 2014 developing breakthrough ideas does not have to be the result of luck or a shotgun effort. The reason for this is the simple fact that vertical thinking utilizes a sequential method in solving problem, where only one solution is generally realized. He originated the concept of lateral thinking and developed formal techniques for deliberate. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read lateral thinking. Use lateral thinking and try to get ahead by making money online. Vertical thinking meaning of vertical thinking by lexico. 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. The condition of students actually wants learning that requires the use of their thinking to solve problems with diverse solutions. A result can only be admired but a process can be practiced and used.
In conventional thinking people go forward in a predictable, direct fashion. Vertical and lateral thinking these terms were coined by the theoretician edward debono who wrote. The first practical explanation of how creativity works, this resultsoriented bestseller trains listeners to move beyond a vertical mode of thought to tap the. Lateral thinking involves approaching the problem from new directions literally from the side. Unlike lateral thinking that involves using added intuition, risk taking, and imagination through unconscious and subconscious processes, vertical thinking consists of using more of a conscious approach via. At school the emphasis has traditionally always been on vertical thinking which is effective but incomplete. It involves taking the data from a problem and analyzing it with defined methodologies to find logical solutions. A vertical thinker is analytical, careful and precise, taking the data around a problem and analyzing it with defined methodologies to find logical solutions. Differences between vertical and lateral thinking in our world we are governed by rules and structure, and there is a great deal of time spent developing them. 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.
Lateral thinking involves looking at a situation or problem from a unique or unexpected point of view. Lateral thinking stimulates creativity and innovationthe. Lateral thinking is a stepbystep method of creative thinking with prescribed techniques that can be used consciously. Vertical thinking is sequential, rigid, and follows the tried and tested. Lateral thinking is the process of using information to bring about creativity and insight restructuring.
Sometimes a person may use lateral thinking and not come up with anything useful. Linear thinking is based on logic, rules and rationality or sustained reason to solve a problem. Perhaps, like most of us, you were taught to think vertically to solve problems by going from one logical step to the next. Lateral thinking isnt something which is usually discussed, not in secondary education or anywhere that ive noticed to be honest. Lateral thinking is not a substitute for vertical thinking. Whether youve loved the book or not, if you give your honest and detailed thoughts then people will find new books that are right for them. Vertical thinking is a type of approach to problems that usually involves one being selective, analytical, and sequential.
Learn to hone your thinking skills and discover powerful yet simple techniques to help you generate idea after idea. Although the reasoning may not be immediately obvious, and not obtainable by using only traditional stepbystep logic, it does work in a more. This book is about lateral thinking which is the process. Lateral thinking can be learned, practised and used. Vertical thinking is distinguished as something that is linear, while on the other hand lateral thinking can be seen as nonlinear. A lateral thinker understands vertical thinking, but chooses to deliberately outside. Lateral thinking takes the indirect approach to solve problems. Lateral thinking has to be distinguished from critical thinking. Lateral thinking is concerned with digging the hole somewhere else. Differences between vertical and lateral thinking memorise. Vertical thinkers analyse the possibilities that are evident in a situation. They are dependable, structured, and get the job done just as they are expected to do. The book should be of use to teachers who are looking for a practical. What is lateral thinking and what is vertical thinking.
Thought processes may be divided into vertical linear thinking which uses the process of logical reasoning to follow a welldefined path, or nonlinear lateral thinking which involves disrupting this linear thinking sequence and shifting sideways to try and arrive at the solution from another perspective. Lateral thinking how not to think vertically management. We generally learn in sequence, and organize in the same type of order as most everyone else like filing things according to name, subject or date so our lives are less cluttered and. Lateral thinking is concerned with the generation of new ideas lateral thinking is also concerned with breaking out of the concept presence of old ideas. Brainstorming is about generating many ideas, but not being concerned with the detailed implementation of them. In contentional thinking, we go forward in a predictable, direct fashion. Systems thinking, design thinking, strategic thinking. This book is intended for use both at home and at school. Jan 23, 2011 a way of understanding lateral thinking is through its opposite, vertical thinking. He calls one vertical thinking, which uses the processes of logicthe traditional, historical method. Definition vertical thinking is a selective, moves only if there is a direction in which to move, and also in sequential.
Vertical thinking is selective, lateral thinking is generativegenerating new possibilities. Why do some people always seem to have new ideas while others of equal intelligence never do. While vertical thinking seeks to develop an existing pattern, lateral thinking seeks to restructure the existing pattern. With vertical thinking categories, classifications and labels are fixed, with lateral thinking they are not. This book is about lateral thinking, which is the process of using information to bring about creativity and. A lateral thinker understands vertical thinking, but chooses to deliberately look outside of this. In vertical thinking, one moves forward in sequential steps each of which must be relevant. Lateral thinking, a term coined in 1967 by edward debono, and outlined in a book of the same name, is a solutionoriented set of techniques which aim to reframe a problem by highlighting new associations and relationships that may not be clear when a problem is approached through vertical problem solving. In our world we are governed by rules and structure, and there is a great deal of time spent developing them. 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. In vertical thinking, one moves forward by sequential steps each of which must be justified. Vertical thinking is logical but only in one direction. Lateral thinking definition of lateral thinking by the free. From wikipedia, the free encyclopedia lateral thinking is solving problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be obtainable by using only traditional stepbystep logic.
Lateral thinking lateral thinking is abused and uttered so many times in so many contexts. Lateral thinking involves using reasoning that is not straightforward and obvious. Vertical thinking is the traditional type of thinking. Lateral thinking can be learned, practiced and used. 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. This is how the author differentiates between the two types of thinking. This type of thinking involves breaking away from traditional modes of thinking and discarding established patterns and preconceived notions. Lateral thinking is a manner of solving problems using an indirect and creative approach via. He has written numerous books, which have been translated into 34 languages, and his advice is sought by nobel laureates and world leaders alike. It could be said that it is the opposite of lateral thinking. Vertical thinking 5 with vertical thinking one uses the negative in order to block of certain pathways. He then shows that lateral thinking is a far easier and more natural way to generate simple, sound and effective ideas and offers guidance on how to develop your own ability to think laterally. According to wikipedia, lateral thinking is solving problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be obtainable by using only traditional stepbystep logic. For example, if a production line produced books per hour, creative problem.
The core advantage of the lateral thinking is the overcoming styptic assumptions and understanding the problem in an completely. Lateral thinking is very much about standing back, looking at the big picture, and understanding concepts. A person uses lateral thinking to move from one known idea to new ideas. May 09, 2016 lateral thinking lateral thinking is abused and uttered so many times in so many contexts. Its about sticking to the approach you have taken from the beginning and excluding any other. Lateral thinking is also different from divergent thinking, though again there is some overlap. Lateral thinking means taking a creative approach to a problem or challenge. Vertical thinking is analytical, sequenced, deliberate, and precise. Lateral thinking lateral thinking is the step by step approach to creativity. This book is about lateral thinking which is the process of using information to bring about creativity and insight restructuring. First published in 1967 as the use of lateral thinking, this classic international bestseller remains as relevant to learning, problem solving and creative thinking today as when it was first published. Vertical thinking is selective, lateral thinking is generative.
Understand the elements and thinking modes that create. Here well talk you through what the ability is, and give some examples of lateral thinking skills. Vertical thinking is concerned with digging the same hole deeper. He calls the other lateral thinking, which involves disrupting. Debono 1971a discusses the application of lateral thinking to management development and debono 1971b provides an interesting study of lateral thinking in children. It is possible to acquire skill in it just as it is possible to acquire skill in mathematics. He is widely regarded as the leading authority in the direct teaching of thinking as a skill. Vertical thinking is selective, lateral thinking is generative vertical thinking moves only if there is a direction in whichto move, lateral thinking moves in order to generate a direction vertical thinking is analytical, lateral thinking is provocative vertical thinking is sequential, lateral thinking can makejumps with vertical thinking one. Lateral thinking is the impressive selfdevelopment book which explains the various patterns and exercises to learn and improve the lateral thinking. 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. Lateral thinking is flexible and follows new and even the least likely paths. Lateral thinking seeks to arrive at unknown solutions, as opposed to vertical thinking, which operates directly on perceivable data and analysis.
Education, according to the author, only teaches vertical thinking because lateral thinking has always seemed impossible to teach. Lateral thinking is the imposing selfdevelopment book which includes the variety of techniques which improves the lateral thinking. Other readers will always be interested in your opinion of the books youve read. A way of understanding lateral thinking is through its opposite, vertical thinking. A vertical thinker is analytical, careful and precise, taking the data around a problem and analysing it with defined methodologies to find logical solutions. Lateral thinking stimulates creativity and innovationthe triz. Lateral thinking is similar to brainstorming in that it involves deliberately going outside of the standard bounded thought process.
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