Lateral thinking (part 2)

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let’s start looking at an example of lateral thinking. VS regular linear thinking.And learn about it a little bit more…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Normal  Logical Thinking:

Step 1  – Identify the problem or opportunity
Step 2  -Logically, analytically generate alternatives
Step 3  – Select the best alternative(s)

That’s not very exciting

Lateral Thinking:

Step 1 – Identify the problem or opportunity
Step 2 – Generate a new, unrelated, thought or idea
Step 3 – Extract  principles or characteristics from the idea
Step 4 – Logically explore the relationship of the characteristic to the problem
Step 5 – Select the best alternative(s)

Two middle steps are most important One of them is not:
Rational, Sensible, Logical, Reasonable

All other steps are logical, All creativity uses this same template, or a simple variation on it.

HERE IS A TIP:
Judgment . . . a big barrier
5 minute rule . . .Not all ideas will create Aha’s
     BE PATIENT, give it at least five minutes

HERE IS ANOTHER TIP:
Silly Rule :While the first idea may seem silly,
 The technique’s value is it’s ability to get you to see ideas you are not NORMALLY able to contemplate.
Here are four techniques that all follow that pattern
        (Lateral Thinking Techniques)
Step 1 – Identify the problem or opportunity where you need to generate alternative solutions
Step 2 – Generate a new thought or idea
Step 3 – Extract a characteristic or principle
Step 4 – Logically explore the relationship of the characteristic to the problem
Step 5 – Select the best alternative(s)
1. Escape Technique:

Step 1 – Identify the problem or opportunity where you need to generate alternative solutions
Step 2 – List characteristics of that issue that we normally take for granted
Choose one characteristic
Step 3 – Change the characteristic in some way, or eliminate it
Step 4 – Logically explore the relationship of the changed characteristic to the problem
Step 5 – Select the best alternative(s)

2. Random Entry Technique:

Step 1 – Identify the problem or opportunity where you need to generate alternative solutions
Step 2 – Select a word at random
Use a dictionary and select two numbers at random – one for the page, one for word on the page (a noun)
Step 3 – Extract a principle or characteristic from the random word
Step 4 – Logically explore the relationship of the characteristic to the problem
Step 5 – Select the best alternative(s)

3. Reversal Technique:

Step 1 – Identify the problem or opportunity where you need to generate alternative solutions
Step 2 – Select a characteristic of the problem or opportunity
Step 3 – Reverse the characteristic
Step 4 – Logically explore the relationship of the reversed characteristic to the problem
Step 5 – Select the best alternative(s)
4. Word/Picture Mapping Technique:

Step 1 – Identify the problem or opportunity where you need to generate alternative solutions
Take a large piece of paper (e.g. flipchart). Place on table
Write problem/issue in center. Everyone gathers round
Step 2 – Group generates a new thoughts or ideas
Group draws lines from issue and writes down other words they associate with key issue
Step 3 – Extract a characteristic or principle
Looking at the new words find other words to associate with them.
Draw lines between associated words
Step 4 – Logically explore the relationship of the characteristic to the problem
Step 5 – Select the best alternative(s)

Try using it …

Next (How to teach myself to think lateral):