Learning
Vertical thinking The traditional type of thinking is vertical thinking. Sequential and logic-based vertical thinking moves through a set process and stops when the best solution for a problem is found. Most thinking is done this way – we are taught to think vertically.
Lateral thinking Lateral thinking is about removing preconception and being prepared to work with ideas that at first appear wrong and jumping randomly between thoughts in a non-sequential manner. Taking such a seemingly chaotic approach to thinking enables you to set aside any ingrained beliefs that may influence your thinking subconsciously. Thinking is then open to breakthroughs of radical new solutions. Ideas can be conceived in a way that simply isn’t possible with vertical thinking.
LATERAL
VERTICAL
RANDOM BEING WRONG NON-SEQUENTIAL CREATIVE
TRADITIONAL SEQUENTIAL METHODICAL LOGICAL
“In vertical thinking, one moves forward by sequential steps each of which must be justified…In lateral thinking, one uses information not for its own sake but for its effect. In lateral thinking, one may have to be wrong at some stage in order to achieve the correct solution.” Edward de Bono, Lateral Thinking
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