What is an example of lateral thinking?

Lateral thinking, a term coined in 1967 by Edward de Bono, is the process of solving a problem using an unusual or creative approach. One example of lateral thinking is applied when solving this classic riddle: “A woman had two sons who were born on the same hour of the same day of the same year.

How do you demonstrate lateral thinking?

Try to think of situations that were heading for failure until you came up with a new approach that turned them around. For example, if you’ve been involved with a student society that was struggling financially, a logical solution to the problem might be to seek to cut costs.

What exactly is lateral thinking?

Lateral thinking is a manner of solving problems using an indirect and creative approach via reasoning that is not immediately obvious. It involves ideas that may not be obtainable using only traditional step-by-step logic.

What are lateral thinking exercises?

Lateral thinking puzzles are strange situations in which you are given a little information and then have to find the explanation. They are solved through a dialogue between the quizmaster who sets the puzzle and the solver or solvers who try to figure out the answer.

What are some examples of creative thinking?

Examples of creative thinking skills include: problem solving, writing, visual art, communication skills, and open-mindedness.

What are the examples of lateral?

Lateral thinking, a term coined in 1967 by Edward de Bono, is the process of solving a problem using an unusual or creative approach. One example of lateral thinking is applied when solving this classic riddle: “A woman had two sons who were born on the same hour of the same day of the same year.

Who needs lateral thinking?

Lateral thinking however, looks at things from a sideways perspective (also known as horizontal thinking), in order to find answers that aren’t immediately apparent. The term was first coined by psychologist Edward de Bono. These skills are often required in creative careers like marketing or advertising.

Are you a lateral thinker?

Lateral thinking—a term first coined by Edward de Bono in 1967—refers to a person’s capacity to address problems by imagining solutions that cannot be arrived at via deductive or logical means. Or, to put it in simpler terms: the ability to develop original answers to difficult questions.

How does lateral thinking create ideas?

A lateral thinking technique we can use is to write down all the dominant ideas that apply in our situation and then to deliberately challenge them. So for example the major airlines used to work with these beliefs: Customers want high standards of service.

Are riddles lateral thinking?

With lateral thinking, someone might come up with a solution to a riddle or scenario that requires you to piece facts together to come up with a creative answer. … Sometimes the most correct answer to the most lateral thinking puzzles is actually the most obvious, which is why you don’t get there immediately.


Why is lateral thinking important?

Lateral thinking is vital for organisations because it is the key to finding new and better ways to do things. Innovation is a necessity for competitive advantage and survival. Lateral thinking is a tool for creativity which leads to innovation.

How do you solve lateral thinking impossible problems?

How to Perform Lateral Thinking
  1. Consider Alternate Solutions. Edward de Bono argued that even if there’s an obvious solution to a problem, setting it aside to deliberately consider different approaches can help make sure you’ve considered a problem from all possible angles.
  2. Random Stimulation. …
  3. Subtractive Thinking.