What is lateral thinking? And how does it differ from horizontal and vertical thinking?

Lateral mstraining, it is a conscious, systematic thinking process, the essence of which is to look at a problem from different angles. You can call it parallel thinking, and you'll soon see why.

This thinking technique helps to find a new solution, which is often hard to find and unique. Lateral thinking techniques tend to look at what can be, rather than what is possible.

This type of thinking was described by E. De Bono in 1969 in his book The Use of Lateral Thinking. He calls it shift or lateral thinking.

Differentiation of thinking:

• Horizontal thinking - causes and consequences.
• Vertical thinking - scepticism, deeper thinking.
• Lateral - a deviation somewhere else.

The main goal is to jump off the idea and then come back and try to look at the problem from a new angle. A large part of the success of this technique is due to focusing on the existing idea, concept, problem, object. The more precise the focus, the easier it is to create.

Lateral thinking is:

• Trying to solve a problem in illogical ways.
• The process and the willingness to look at things in a new way.
• A relatively new type of thinking, not yet introduced into the education system, which complements analytical and critical thinking.

Lateral thinking is perfect:

• For groups in need of a new idea generator.
• Solving problems in ways that rarely come to mind.
• For an innovative company that needs an effective tool.
• When the old ways no longer work.
• Scientists and engineers who need to "open up" their thinking.

Lateral thinking technique:

• Make a list of ideas.
• Work with someone for whom creativity is a daily routine.
• Look at the problem from a different angle each time.
• Think through the problem and the solution.

Look at these questions from a different angle and answer:

1. Which side of the cat is hairier?
2. You have overtaken the runner-up in the race, where do you stand?
3. You are on an uninhabited island, you have a candle, a kerosene lamp, dry wood and one match. Which will you light first?
4. A cleaner was cleaning the windows of a building on the 25th floor when he slipped and fell, but was not injured. Explain how?

Answers:

1. External.
2. Second.
3. Tar.
4. Cleaning the inside of windows.