Lateral Thinking

How to Use First Principles Thinking to Solve Any Problem Most people solve problems by copying what worked before — borrowing solutions from similar situations, following established procedures, or deferring to what experts recommend. This approach is fast and often good enough. But when you need a genuinely new solution, […]

The Art of Asking Better Questions Most people treat questions as a formality — a way to fill silence or signal interest. But learning how to ask better questions is one of the most high-leverage cognitive skills you can develop. The quality of the questions you ask determines the quality […]

Lateral thinking and design thinking are both methodologies that steer away from traditional linear approaches, fostering creativity and innovation for problem-solving. Lateral thinking, coined by Edward de Bono, encourages thinking outside the conventional framework, seeking answers that might not be evident at a first glance. It’s about disrupting established patterns […]

Lateral thinking and creative thinking are often used interchangeably, signaling a departure from conventional logic to generate innovative solutions and ideas. Lateral thinking, a term coined by Edward de Bono, involves looking at problems from new or unexpected angles, seeking solutions outside standard patterns of thought. It emphasizes indirect and […]

Lateral thinking stands as a critical element in steering a business towards uncharted territories of innovation and creativity. Originating from the pioneering work of Edward de Bono, lateral thinking encourages individuals to step outside conventional problem-solving techniques and to consider alternative solutions. In the constantly shifting landscape of business, where […]

In the realm of problem-solving and creative thinking, lateral thinking and parallel thinking stand out as two distinct methodologies aimed at fostering innovation and effective solutions. Lateral thinking, a concept introduced by Dr. Edward de Bono in 1967, is characterized by an indirect approach to problem-solving that often involves looking […]

Lateral thinking and vertical thinking represent two distinct approaches to problem-solving and reasoning. Lateral thinking, often associated with creativity and the ability to generate novel ideas, involves looking at problems from various angles and applying non-traditional methods to arrive at a solution. It’s about thinking outside the conventional framework and […]

Lateral thinking exercises are designed to challenge conventional patterns of thought and inspire creative problem-solving. These exercises encourage individuals to consider novel perspectives and explore unconventional solutions to seemingly complex problems. By engaging in lateral thinking exercises, one can tap into the power of thinking outside the box and develop […]

Lateral thinking is a problem-solving technique that involves approaching a problem from a unique perspective. It is a method that encourages thinking outside the box and exploring unconventional solutions. Lateral thinking is a term coined by Edward de Bono, a Maltese physician, and author who introduced the concept in his […]

Lateral thinking is a valuable skill that can help individuals solve problems and approach challenges in new ways. Whether you’re looking to improve your creativity, problem-solving abilities, or critical thinking skills, books on lateral thinking can be an excellent resource. In this article, we’ve spent considerable time researching and testing […]

Ever heard the term lateral thinking? It’s a way of thinking that’s different than what we do most of the time. Generally, we think vertically. So, what is lateral thinking? Lateral thinking means thinking outside the box, as they say. Lateral thinking riddles are questions where the answers aren’t necessarily […]

There are several major thinking patterns that drive the way we acknowledge, interact with, and understand the world as humans. Two key thinking patterns that we’re going to discuss and compare today are divergent thinking and lateral thinking. While lateral (horizontal) thinking involves moving beyond logical or straightforward deductive reasoning […]

We spend much of our lives solving problems, but while many of the solutions to those problems are purely logical, there is always room for out of the box thinking in our personal and professional lives. Is lateral thinking innate to some people, and can lateral thinking be taught? Lateral thinking […]

There are a myriad of ways to solve problems in our world, and as humans, there are a lot of different methods we can use to generate ideas and find the best ways of addressing those problems. Two of these methods are lateral thinking and logical reasoning. Here are the […]

If you’re not familiar with lateral thinking, it’s a type of problem-solving that often involves thinking “outside the box”, so to speak. This type of creative and sometimes unconventional reasoning is an important skill, and there are even board games that require you to utilize it. Today, we’re highlighting the […]

Lateral thinking is a form of creative reasoning that allows people to approach a problem and formulate innovative solutions. This form of thinking defies the tried and tested and attempts to shake off the rigid mold of traditional linear thinking. You may harness this process of creative lateral thinking to […]

Every single day we use a number of mental models to help us navigate our increasingly complex world.   Some of these mental models were learned intentionally and deliberately.   Most, though, we pick up just going through life recognizing patterns – and through (sometimes better) experience, of course!   […]

One of the greatest challenges our education system faces today is that it remains built atop the rock solid foundations, methodologies, and strategies for learning that were established more than 100 years ago.   Today’s schools are filled top to bottom with rote learning lessons, lectures and resources focused almost […]

Lateral thinking has the potential to totally transform businesses from top to bottom, especially when the charges led by great leaders (and thinkers) in management.   Coaxing lateral thinking out of your team, though, can be a bit of a challenge – particularly if this hasn’t been a point of […]

Jobs for lateral thinkers include teaching, marketing, public relations, writing, and game/graphic design. Each one of these careers require the ‘out of the box’ thinking that natural lateral thinkers have in abundance.  Fancy making a living out of your lateral thinking skills? Here’s a list of careers that would benefit […]

Lateral thinking puzzles force you to abandon your first interpretation and consider the problem from a completely different angle. Unlike logic puzzles, they don’t require strict deductive reasoning — they require you to question your assumptions about what the question is actually asking. This page has 15 lateral thinking puzzles […]