Imagine two managers who are responsible for product development and innovation management in their companies. Some people see things backwards or see only parts of things. Linear thinkers put things in order as they experience them in a sequential manner, like a straight line. A straight line between two points is the most efficient way to get from one place to another. Linear thinking is excellent for solving algebraic equations and answering straightforward questions like, what should i do if my boss is hangry. There are so many useful exercises to help you develop lateral thinking habits, which help to improve general creativity. Programmed thinking versus lateral thinking another way to think of brainstorming is to understand what its not and how it differs from something we do often in our day to day jobs programmed thinking. Lateral figures out what could be the cause and goes there. Activating the power of linear and circular thinking. Lateral thinking is solving problems through an indirect and creative approach, using reasoning that is not immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be obtainable by using only traditional stepbystep logic. Linear thinkers brains are wired differently than nonlinear thinkers. This is the core chapter of this book, about the complexity of complexity.
Lateral thinking in management innolytics innovation. First you need to understand four types of nonlinear relationships and how linear thinking produces errors in judgment in these situations. This is a process of thought following known cycles or stepbystep progression where a response to a step must be elicited before another step is taken. Lateral thinking uses indirect and creative approaches to come to a conclusion. Our way of thinking decides how we perceive the world around us. Their thinking process proceeds in a sequential manner, like a straight line. Neither linear or lateral thinking is the right answer for every situation.
Linear thinking is based on logic, rules and rationality to solve a problem a person who uses linear thinking is constant. This saying is often applied to life and the world in general, it. It will help you assess your lateral thinking skills. Still not sure whether youre a linear or lateral thinker. If you are still not clear, here are the 6 top classic examples of exactly how lateral thinking works. May, 2015 traditional western thinking system is based upon linear logic. Programmed thinking is using a structured or logical framework to create a product, system or service.
The condition of students actually wants learning that requires the use of their thinking to solve problems with diverse solutions. Lateral thinking has to be distinguished from critical thinking. I draw upon my work with western and oral cultures for my current book the arrow and the ring. Differences between vertical and lateral thinking in our world we are governed by rules and structure, and there is a great deal of time spent developing them. It encourages one to delve into more of a creative form of reasoning. Non linear thinkers have developed a capacity for spiral thinking and problem solving which extends into multiple. Whereas linear logic is useful in certain areas of the thinking process, it is almost entirely left brain based, allowing little room for the functioning of the right brain, the seat of creativity. The reason for this is the simple fact that vertical thinking utilizes a sequential method in solving problem, where only one solution is generally realized. We generally learn in sequence, and organize in the same type of order as most everyone else like filing things according to name, subject or date so our lives are less cluttered and.
Lateral thinking is the step by step approach to creativity. Yet linear thinking leads us to believe that is all we need to know. This book gives am idea on what lateral thinking is, how it alongside vertical thinking is the most deadliest tool an individual can have in solving any problem. Lateral thinking is more concerned with the movement value of statements and ideas. Linear thinking can be useful when there is a cause that can be identified. Aug 20, 2018 as the name suggests, linear thinking takes a sequential, patterned, orderly and systematic approach to decision making and problem solving. As such, its nearly impossible for us to fathom the implications of exponential change.
Here well talk you through what the ability is, and give some examples of lateral thinking skills. Linear thinking contracts consciousness and limits expanded sensory feelings such as intuition. This traditional way of thinking is referred to as vertical thinking. Details lateral thinking technique is a set of techniques used to stimulate creative or out of the box thinking.
Defining lateral thinking,parallel thinking, creativity and innovation. The linear thinker moves one mental step at a time down the path of logic, consuming and digesting each piece of information before moving to the next. Packed full of over 60 different quality lateral thinking puzzles, this book gives you the chance to exercise your brainpower to think laterally and to seek to solve. One question we often ask ourselves in ghost writer hub is what kind of creative exercises could we use to enhance lateral thinking. Lesson from kodak the price of linear thinking as such, its nearly impossible for us to fathom the implications of exponential change. This saying is often applied to life and the world in general, it also applies in the world of success and life change. May 17, 2015 analytical thinking the ability to visualise, articulate, and solve both complex and uncomplicated problems and concepts to make decisions that are sensible and based on available information. Linear thinking lateral thinking linear is straight line thinking lateral is broad thinking linear starts at the problem and works its way to the cause. Jun 27, 2015 systemic thinking versus linear thinking the distinguishing difference between systemic thinking and its linear counterpart is the basis on which each is derived, which is causality. It ignores the complex system and instead focuses on an aspect of a system. This book and its concepts should be introduced in our primary education system and kids should be taught to inculcate lateral thinking in heir day by day world. Critical thinking, vertical thinking, analytical thinking, linear thinking.
As far as relation between logic and non linear thinking. Lateral thinking is an indirect and creative approach to convert impossible situations into the possible ones. Lateral thinking is a manner of solving problems using an indirect and creative approach via reasoning that is not immediately obvious. Vertical thinking is distinguished as something that is linear, while on the other hand lateral thinking can be seen as nonlinear. As the author of teach like a pirate, dave burgess, has stated, creativity is making stuff. Lateral thinking can be learned, practiced and used. I wrote my first book on the feminine counterpart to the hero archetype, which i give workshops on worldwide including at raindance film school in london. Systemic thinking versus linear thinking fields of knowledge.
Vertical thinking is distinguished as something that is linear, while on the other hand lateral thinking can be seen as non linear. Oct 23, 20 kim, regarding are you a circular or a linear thinker, this is exactly what i am looking for. Reality says that there is much more at any given time than a simple start and finish or cause and effect. The science of lateral thinking and millions of other books are available for. Lateral thinking, on the other hand, is the exact opposite approach. How lateral thinking can help your career ziprecruiter.
Lateral thinking techniques the peak performance center. Lateral thinking is when you think outside of the box. We shall present to you an understanding of two contrasting ways of thinking linear and nonlinear thinking. Lateral thinking is about the breadth of knowledge, not the depth of expertise. Lt is a creative, fresh approach to problem solving and to thinking in general by. Creative thinking how to get out of the box and generate ideas.
Follows the same method of thinking that is most popular among police detectives. Lateral thinking means taking a creative approach to a problem or challenge. It essentially means being able to think creatively or outside the box in order to solve a problem. Mark mcguinness over at lateral action has a great post titled is lateral thinking necessary for creativity.
Lateral thinking is the process of using information to bring about creativity and insight restructuring. However i see only comments, no article, though i have tried different browsers. A lateral thinker like kim otto or a linear thinker like. Differences between vertical and lateral thinking memorise. Linear causality takes a direct approach and is more scientifically driven with its emphasis on cause and effect. In his 1965 book a technique for producing ideas james webb young. Some of you may have seen yourself more drawn to one mode or the other. Linear thinking is the process by which linear thinkers put things in order as they experience them and how they express them. Read this book and over 1 million others with a kindle unlimited membership. The differentiation between linear and lateral thinking can be best described with examples. Lateral thinking vertical thinking lateral thinking linear yes no pattern develop an existing pattern restructure an existing.
Lateral thinking is a technique used to induce innovation in idea creation by trying to shift patterns of thought off their linear and predictable trajectory using unconnected inputs to. Linear thinking is the process of thought following known stepbystep progression where a response to a step must be elicited before another step is taken. What is the difference between lateral thinking and linear. Critical thinking is primarily concerned with judging the truth value of statements and seeking errors. As the name suggests, linear thinking takes a sequential, patterned, orderly and systematic approach to decision making and problem solving. Linear thinking vs lateral thinking 1 thought reason. It is possible to acquire skill in it just as it is possible to acquire skill in mathematics. Book is almost done and i will endeavour to put out as much practical info in blogs very soon. Applying lateral thinking techniques is a deliberate strategy to interrupt normal, linear thought patterns, to facilitate the transition between patterns, and to widen the range of possibilities. Lateral thinking is the step by step process developed by dr. Column one is a linear thinking process and column two is circular.
Linear thinkers brains are wired differently than non linear thinkers. What is the difference between lateral thinking and logical. You see that lateral thinking is the type of thinking that leads to new ideas. Lateral thinking involves looking at a situation or problem from a unique or unexpected point of view. Sep 19, 2017 to understand lateral thinking, it is necessary to compare lateral thinking and critical thinking. Lateral thinking how can lateral thinking help you. Lateral thinking instead focuses on thought driven by a more indirect approach. The problem with linear thinking is that it is too narrow. He has written numerous books, which have been translated into 34 languages, and his advice is sought by nobel laureates and world leaders alike. Lesson from kodak the price of linear thinking our brains are literally hardwired to think locally and linearly. The use of lateral thinking in the generation of new ideas. Creative thinking, creativity, lateral thinking, linear thinking it is said that it takes all kinds.
People utilizing linear thinking are considered normal and those with fragmented thinking are considered to be learning disabled. Linear thinking is the standard stepbystep approach to breaking down challenges and seeking solutions. As engineers software, chemical, mechanical or electrical, information technology specialists, accountants and other researchbased professionals, their linear style of thinking generally serves them well in their chosen professions. Feb 23, 2008 programmed thinking versus lateral thinking another way to think of brainstorming is to understand what its not and how it differs from something we do often in our day to day jobs programmed thinking. A person with lots of depth can come up with minute details to answer a question but theyll get stuck putting those details into the context of a bigger picture, one that involves something outside of their field of expertise. Thought addicted linear thinkers close down their heart and this closes down their body feeling mechanism. The basic approach is to flip your assumptions to bypass limiting factors. Creativity step by step, the concept of lateral thinking is. People utilizing linear thinking are in the majority just like in a stadium where most views are unobstructed. Linear thinking versus systems thinking scott miker. We shall present to you an understanding of two contrasting ways of thinking linear and non linear thinking.
Linear thinking verses lateral thinking incisive observations. Thinking presented by ayush jain himanshu sukhija saurabh jain rochak vishnoi prerna arora topics. Lateral thinking isnt something which is usually discussed, not in secondary education or anywhere that ive noticed to be honest. Critical thinking is primarily concerned with judging the truth value of statements and seeking. He is widely regarded as the leading authority in the direct teaching of thinking as a skill. What are analytical, critical and lateral thinking skills. Knowledge engineering is employed to capture the effective mentoring practices particularly on lateral thinking in higher. One of these managers has a socalled linear thinking style. Linear thinking is analytical, sequential and highly focused. Leadership challenges in linear thinkers blog jody. The other is a lateral thinker looking for unusual ideas from which radical innovation could emerge. Creativity exercises to improve your lateral thinking. Lateral thinking lateral thinking is the step by step approach to creativity. Whereas linear logic is useful in certain areas of the thinking process, it is almost entirely left brain based, allowing little.
It is the way to solve worst situations of your life in an easy way, just the need is to think wisely and run your mind. Lawyers and detectives do employ lateral thinking when attempting to solve crimes because the sequence of events is often not as straightforward it first appears to be. In brief, lateral thinking involves looking at problem from a different angle. Heres a quiz from the university of kent thats kind of fun. This means that he approaches idea generation and idea development with conventional methods. Vertical thinking is sequential, rigid, and follows the tried and tested. Aug 08, 2012 creative thinking how to get out of the box and generate ideas. Linear thinking is based on logic, rules and rationality or sustained reason to solve a problem.
The differences between lateral thinking, parallel. Jan 27, 2012 creative thinking or lateral thinking. Critical thinking is primarily concerned with judging the true value of statements and seeking errors whereas lateral thinking focuses more on the movement value of statements and ideas. Jun 11, 2015 follows the same method of thinking that is most popular among police detectives. The problem is that leaders, conditioned to fix problems and get things done, tend to apply linear thinking in situations where there are multiple contributing factors mutually influencing each other. The differences between lateral thinking, parallel thinking. This approach has a linear direction and is restricted by logic. A person uses lateral thinking to move from one known idea to new ideas.
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