Outside the Box: Using Lateral Thinking to Solve Problems
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Solving problems sometimes requires an out of the box approach. But outside the box is usually where a person’s true gifts lie. Often referred to formally as “lateral thinking”, coming up with a solution to a problem by approaching it from a new angle is not a new idea. From Benjamin Franklin to Leonardo DaVinci, there are many creative thinkers who have changed our society using out of the box methods.
While the method may not be new, the terminology we use is – “lateral thinking” was coined by Edward de Bono in 1967. He used his own creativity to launch a “brain training” menthodology that he has used to help people innovate worldwide. He argues his work is more relevant than ever because “Schools waste two-thirds of the talent in society. The universities sterilise the rest.” De Bono’s argument is that “studies have shown that 90% of error in thinking is due to error in perception. If you can change your perception, you can change your emotion and this can lead to new ideas. Logic will never change emotion or perception.” New perception about a problem can lead to a new way to solve it.
Although it’s important to use lateral thinking to increase our understanding of a problem, there are different types of thinking that can expand our awareness of possible solutions. So what are the best ways to develop creative thinking skills, whether they’re lateral, systemic, divergent, aestetic or inspirational?
- fast, frequent failure (see: startup culture)
- combine ideas (build on someone else’s good start)
- substitute (like in cooking when you’re missing an ingredient)
- question the question (what does the problem really mean?)
- start with the solution (work backwords to discover how to start)
There are tons of ways to stimulate creativity and get your thinking outside the box – just try googling “lateral thinking” exercises next time you need a little boost outside your brain’s four beige walls.
Do you know how to think laterally? Tell me in the comments or on facebook about an “outside the box” solution you’ve come up with by changing how you see a problem.
