Vertical thinking 2 vertical thinking moves only if there is a direction in which to move, lateral thinking moves in order to generate direction. Finally, he sets out the four main categories of the techniques of lateral thinking. Lateral thinking involves approaching the problem from new directions literally from the side. Vertical vs lateral thinking in healthcare howard j. Lateral thinking and thinking out of the box ideenfindung. Dec 06, 2017 vertical thinking vs lateral thinking. In such systems there is a mathematical need for moving across patterns. You see that lateral thinking is the type of thinking that leads to new ideas. 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. Lateral thinking is a stepbystep method of creative thinking with prescribed techniques that can be used consciously. Neither linear or lateral thinking is the right answer for every situation.
The classic work about improving creativity from worldrenowned writer and. I like how the author defines the tell lateral thinking compared to vertical thinking. In the digital world though, i find the book i am looking for and 5 others that are related to the first. One example that can help easily contrast the major difference between vertical thinking and lateral thinking goes like this.
Lateral thinking means taking a creative approach to a problem or challenge. In contentional thinking, we go forward in a predictable, direct fashion. Creative thinking how to get out of the box and generate ideas. While vertical thinking seeks to develop an existing pattern, lateral thinking seeks to restructure the existing pattern. If you are still not clear, here are the 6 top classic examples of exactly how lateral thinking works. Lateral thinking is solving problems through an indirect and creative approach. As the author of teach like a pirate, dave burgess, has stated, creativity is making stuff.
Linear thinking is based on logic, rules and rationality or sustained reason to solve a problem. It involves taking the data from a problem and analyzing it with defined methodologies to find logical solutions. Lateral thinking is for changing concepts and perceptionsthe brain as a selforganising information system forms asymmetric patterns. We dont have to be correct at any stage in lateral thinking, because were not looking for the correct answer. Lateral thinking has to be distinguished from critical thinking. When you dig a hole, vertical thinking will be used to dig the same hole deeper, whereas lateral thinking will be used to dig a hole in a different place. Sequential and logicbased, vertical thinking moves through a set process and stops when the best solution for a problem is found. Vertical thinking 1 vertical thinking is selective, lateral thinking is generative. I have made some attempts on lateral thinking and it was published as an e book,eye doctor out of the box isbn 9781878284.
Vertical thinking is analytical, sequenced, deliberate, and precise. Think of lateral and vertical thinking as making lists of objects. Lateral thinking is a stepbystep method of creative thinking with. At school the emphasis has traditionally always been on vertical thinking which is effective but incomplete. Benno van aerssen is your trainer and coach for lateral thinking.
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. It focuses on the known and correct method to address a particular problem. Consequently, it helps you save time, money and energy. This is the core chapter of this book, about the complexity of complexity. Lateral thinking takes the indirect approach to solve problems. Creativity step by step, the concept of lateral thinking is expressed in the polar opposite to the vertical thinking. The classic work about improving creativity from world renowned writer and. He is widely regarded as the leading authority in the direct teaching of thinking as a skill. Here well talk you through what the ability is, and give some examples of lateral thinking skills. By using reasoning that is not immediately obvious and involving ideas that may not be. What is lateral thinking and what is vertical thinking. We have to stay on the ladder in order to get to the top. I want to find a book, i look on the shelf and there it is. The first practical explanation of how creativity works, this resultsoriented bestseller trains listeners to move beyond a vertical mode of thought to tap the potential of lateral thinking.
The tools and processes of lateral thinking are designed to achieve such lateral. 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. Vertical thinking can be thought of as a sequence of direct and logical steps that are used to come to a conclusion. This book is about lateral thinking which is the process of using information to bring about creativity and insight restructuring. Seiss published the book the gospel in the stars in which he shows how elements of the gospel story can be found in the constellations. Lateral thinking stimulates creativity and innovationthe. Information processing and new ideaslateral and vertical thinking. The condition of students actually wants learning that requires the use of their thinking to solve problems with diverse solutions. On the other part, vertical thinking is the way of thinking by exact and logical reasoning of the situation. First published in 1967 as the use of lateral thinking, this classic international bestseller remains as relevant to learning, problem solving and creative thinking today as when it was first published. 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.
Now that weve gone over some of the key differences in vertical thinking vs. Lateral thinking is an indirect and creative approach to convert impossible situations into the possible ones. A worldrenowned writer and philosopher, he is the leading authority in the field of creative thinking and the direct teaching of thinking as a skill. Vertical thinking vs lateral thinking creative4mmu. Vertical thinking is a finite process, lateral thinking is a probablistic one. He has written numerous books, which have been translated into 34 languages, and his advice is sought by nobel laureates and world leaders alike. Although the author stressed on the lateral thinking importance in the last chapter that is applicable in different aspects of life. He then shows that lateral thinking is a far easier and more natural way to generate simple, sound and effective ideas and offers guidance on how to develop your own ability to think laterally. Vertical thinking is a sequence of direct and logical steps that are used to come to a conclusion. 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. Creativity step by step and millions of other books are available for instant access.
Although the author stressed on the lateral thinking importance in the last chapter that is applicable in different aspects of life as he claims. Of all the books i have read about creativity and thinking skills, if i had to choose one, lateral thinking would be it. In brief, lateral thinking involves looking at problem from a different angle. A lateral thinker is a person who uses lateral thinking to tackle issues or problems. Lateral thinking, on the other hand, is using an indirect and creative approach to come to a. A person uses lateral thinking to move from one known idea to new ideas. If more bankers and traders had read lateral thinking and applied. Vertical thinking refers to solving a problem by analysis. Aug 08, 2012 creative thinking how to get out of the box and generate ideas.
When you dig a hole, vertical thinking will be used to dig the same hole deeper, whereas lateral thinking will be used to. Examples in a spectrum of vertical and lateral thinking. What is the difference between lateral thinking and linear. This book gives am idea on what lateral thinking is, how it alongside vertical. Vertical thinking is distinguished as something that is linear, while on the other hand lateral thinking can be seen as nonlinear. Differences between vertical and lateral thinking memorise. Lateral thinking involves using reasoning that is not straightforward and obvious. Lateral thinking concepts, training methodologies and.
In conventional thinking people go forward in a predictable, direct fashion. Thus where vertical thinking focuses on the answers, lateral thinking generates questions and hypotheses. Horses dogs pigs rabbits monkeys humans they are lateral because they walk, are mammals, have hair, teeth, etc. What is the difference between lateral thinking and vertical. Lateral thinking, on the other hand, is more about using an indirect and creative approach to come to a conclusion differences. Lateral thinking enhances the effectiveness of vertical thinking by offering it more to select from. Doing a sum is a classic example of vertical thinking. The terms are attributed to his 1970 book lateral thinking. Jun 29, 2019 you see that lateral thinking is the type of thinking that leads to new ideas.
I appreciate your article and efforts on lateral thinking. Critical thinking isnt the type of thinking needed to make stuff. Creativity step by step, but there is evidence that he used the terms before that. Lateral thinking, on the other hand, is using an indirect and. Lateral thinking stimulates creativity and innovationthe triz. May 28, 2017 vertical thinking refers to solving a problem by analysis. Mar 06, 2014 im so fascinated about the idea of lateral thinking, but the book was written so theoretically, and it lacks of reallife examples of applying the theory. Enter your mobile number or email address below and well send you a link to download the free kindle app. Lateral thinking can be learned, practiced and used. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required. Although the reasoning may not be immediately obvious, and not obtainable by using only traditional stepbystep logic, it does work in a more indirect way. Vertical thinking enhances the ideas generated by lateral thinking. Limitations of vertical thinking include being right at every stage and having everything rigidly defined.
Vertical thinking is distinguished by the fact that it is linear, while on the other side of the thinking can be seen as nonlinear. What is the difference between lateral thinking and logical. Lateral thinking is all about creating possibilities not perpetuating the same old patterns. Vertical thinking meaning of vertical thinking by lexico. 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. Im so fascinated about the idea of lateral thinking, but the book was written so theoretically, and it lacks of reallife examples of applying the theory. Jul 20, 2017 the vertical thinking trait of a medical student is often suppressed as heshe becomes a doctor. Lateral thinking involves coming at the problem from new directions literally, from the side. The vertical thinking trait of a medical student is often suppressed as heshe becomes a doctor. This book is about lateral thinking, which is the process of using information to bring about creativity and insight restructuring. He originated the concept of lateral thinking and developed formal techniques for deliberate creative thinking. What is the difference between lateral thinking and.
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