Lateral and Vertical Thinking
Vertical thinking is analytical and selective, while lateral thinking is provocative and exploratory. Effective use of lateral thinking requires following up with vertical thinking to select and refine ideas.
THE IDEA
Vertical thinking is analytical, lateral thinking is provocative
One may consider three different attitudes to the remark of a student who had come to the conclusion: ‘Ulysses was a hypocrite.’
- ‘You are wrong, Ulysses was not a hypocrite.’
- ‘How very interesting, tell me how you reached that conclusion.’
- ‘Very well. What happens next? How are you going to go forward from that idea?’
In order to be able to use the provocative qualities of lateral thinking one must also be able to follow up with the selective qualities of vertical thinking.
When to use it
During brainstorming sessions to generate novel ideas by challenging assumptions.
When stuck on a problem, using provocative statements to break out of conventional thought patterns.
In strategic planning to consider alternative scenarios and possibilities.
In education to encourage students to think creatively and explore different perspectives.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Responding to a provocative idea
A student concludes that Ulysses was a hypocrite. Three possible responses are: 1. Rejection: 'You are wrong...' 2. Acceptance and inquiry: 'How interesting, tell me more...' 3. Provocative acceptance: 'Very well, what happens next?' The third response uses lateral thinking to explore new possibilities.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Think of a recent situation where you immediately rejected an idea. How could you have used lateral thinking to explore it further?
How can you intentionally combine lateral and vertical thinking when solving a complex problem?
In what contexts is it more beneficial to use lateral thinking over vertical thinking, and vice versa?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)