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Lateral thinking has been closely associated with
creativity and is sometimes called creative thinking because both
involve the creation of new ideas.
"The
term, lateral thinking, was invented by Edward de Bono in 1967.
One dictionary definition is "seeking to solve problems
by unorthodox or apparently illogical methods"
Lateral thinking is very much concerned with possibilities
and "what might be if". Lateral thinking is concerned
with searching for alternatives and different ways of looking at
things. Vertical thinking by contrast is concerned with taking up
a position and building up from there, with the next step being
logically derived from the previous one.
De Bono suggests that vertical thinking can be
likened to digging a hole in the same place. As the word, "lateral"
suggests, the movement is sideways, trying different perceptions,
concepts and angles of entry, rather than using a single perspective.
So with lateral thinking there may be several
different views that are all correct and are not dependent upon
each other. Instead of having a photograph from the front of a building
and maintaining that this is the correct representation of that
building, you may have many photographs of the building taken from
different angles and all are equally valid.
De Bono devised a creative way of solving problems
which he called Six
Thinking Hats.
Here are some further strategies that de Bono
suggests for developing lateral thinking:-
1. PMI (Plus Minus Interesting)
Using the list of priorities you have, maybe on
the chalkboard, start with PMI. This is a strategy that examines
a topic from all sides. The good, the bad and the interesting aspects
are all considered. This helps to make wiser judgments. You can
divide your lists into these three columns. Put a + sign next to
the good, a - sign next to the bad, and see what you are left with.
2. CAF (Consider All Factors)
Now use CAF. This is used before making a final
decision. It helps us identify what factors we should have considered
in making a decision, but may have left out.
3. OPV (Other Peoples ' Views)
Finally use the one called OPV. Thinking involves
other people. As you will be discovering, it is not as effective to
always think on your own. Different people have different ways of
looking at the same problem. They have different knowledge and opinions
and experiences. Much benefit is gained by working collaboratively.
You could perhaps send your learners out to interview people about
your problem or you could search for other opinions on the Internet
or even email people if their opinions could be helpful and if they
have e-mail addresses.
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