Lateral Thinking is the ability to solve problems through indirect and creative approaches, typically through viewing the issue in an innovative or unusual way.
Dr. Edward de Bono, a Maltese physician, consultant, and author, coined the terms ‘Lateral Thinking’ and ‘Six Thinking Hats.’ Throughout his lifetime, he produced over 60 books; in 40 different languages, focusing on his unique and innovative theories on creative problem-solving methods.
De Bono was a pioneer in promoting alternative perspectives and emphasised the importance of divergent thinking techniques that encourage creating varied solutions to problems, rather than following a singular, more conventional path.
Whilst for some, Lateral Thinking may be a natural skill, for others it may not be so easy. Approaching problems in a creative manner can be difficult, but with Lateral Thinking techniques you can learn to change the patterns in which you think.
A lateral thinker finds innovative approaches to problems, and these can be fostered in many ways. Some find that games such as crossword puzzles, sudoku, chess and other strategy games can increase their ability to think laterally, as well as other brainteasers too.
For example, a common lateral thinking problem:
Link up the nine dots below using only 4 straight lines without lifting the pencil from the paper.
To begin with, this problem seems straight forwards, and easy to solve. But after multiple attempts, it appears that 5 lines are required to be able to link up the nine dots.
Although this presumes that the pencil must stay within the bounds of the nine dots and must not extend beyond. By breaking the assumption and thinking creatively, the solution to the problem reveals itself as a straight-forward result.
Edward de Bono (2016). Lateral Thinking - How Can Lateral Thinking Help you? [online] Edwddebono.com. Available at: https://www.edwddebono.com/lateral-thinking.
De Bono, E. (1971). The Use of Lateral Thinking.
De Bono, E. (1977) Lateral thinking: a textbook of creativity. Harmondsworth: Penguin.
Indeed Career Guide. (n.d.). Lateral Thinking: What It Is and 7 Techniques to Develop the Skill. [online] Available at: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/lateral-thinking.
Jeffries, S. (2021). Edward de Bono obituary. [online] The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2021/jun/10/edward-de-bono-obituary.
