Lateral Thinking
This term was devised by Edward de Bono to differentiate this type of thinking from our predominant thinking process which he labels vertical thinking.
- Vertical thinking is a sequential logical or analytical development of the most likely paths from problem to solution.
- Lateral thinking makes jumps, does not rely on being correct at each stage and provokes you to take less obvious paths from problem to solution.
Within Lateral Thinking there are several tools which are use to achieve the three principles of Attention, Escape and Movement
Focus
This tool is to direct Attention. Unfortunately our thinking can be quite vague. We need to be precise. De Bono suggests several sub-tools:
- General Area Focus (GAF) - You define the area of thinking but not the purpose.
- Purpose Focus (PF) - This statement points at a specific problem to solve.
- The Creative Hit list - Provides a target list for areas that need creative thinking.
Alternatives
One of the simplest tools. But, you must believe that there are alternatives.
Find the connection between alternative and original. The connection may be in the form of a concept. So look for the underlying concept behind the original then use this to create alternatives.
Challenge
The word challenge may suffer from negative connotations. It might imply confrontation, rejection of someone elses' ideas. De Bono's view of Challenge is that it is not an attack.
Challenge looks at the current state of affairs. It is an attitude which can look at dominating ideas, assumptions and ask Why?
Provocation
The word 'po' was invented by Edward de Bono and stands for Provocative Operation. 'Po' gives permission for what comes next and protects it from immediate judgement.
Provocation is designed to escape from patterned thinking.
There are various method's of using the word 'Po':
Escape - Look at what you take for granted then drop it, negate it, remove it -
e.g.Po Helpdesks do not receive phone calls
Reversal
The normal direction of action is reversed -
e.g. Po Helpdesks call customers with problems
Wishful Thinking
Create your fantasy desire -
e.g.Po I had my own personal helpdesk
Movement
Following Provocation which solely places you in a position of creative tension. We could resolve this tension by applying our judgement - this wold likely kill the provocation. We could try to suspend judgement which is weak and does not tell us what to do instead. Or we could use de Bono's approach which is 'Movement'.
There are several types of Movement. Here are two:
Extract a principle - the helpdesk does not respond to phone calls. The helpdesk is not reactive but proactive
Moment to moment- imagine how the provocation would be put into action
Harvesting
Harvesting ideas is maximising your output using a checklist. Three checklist items are:
Specific - select ideas based on value or practicality
Beginnings of ideas - select ideas not usable yet but with potential
Concepts - ensure concepts are identified in the process and use to create further ideas
|
