Solve problems with lateral thinking

In our work as innovation consultants, we often hear—and occasionally even spout—such phrases as "think outside the box," "reach for blue-sky ideas," and "go beyond your comfort zone." Each is designed to encourage creative problem solving. But there's one phrase that is less common: lateral thinking. This term was coined by Edward de Bono, regarded by many as the leading authority in the field of creative thinking, and involves solving problems through a creative, indirect approach that goes beyond conventional, step-by-step logic. 

In our projects, we employ lateral thinking via excursions. These creativity exercises are designed to take your mind off the beaten path of the challenge you're facing. The idea is that by thinking about something else for awhile, you are able to take a small mental break and come back to the challenge with a fresh mindset, and use the stimulus from the excursion to address the challenge.

Here are a few creative excursions to get you started in your lateral thinking practice:

1. Which is stronger—mind over matter or matter over mind?

2. Draw the color blue.

3. Scrunch your nose up and down fast. Now slow. Then fast again. You probably won't have an I Dream of Genie moment (but you never know).

4. How would life be different if you couldn't make a mistake?

5. List things that are subtle.

6. Lie down on the floor and stretch out completely. Flex your muscles then release until you are completely relaxed. This is also known as sleeping.

7. What was the best thing before sliced bread?

8. Head, egg, case, diamond, code. Which word doesn't belong?

9. From your chair, bend forward toward your toes. Let your head fall naturally. This may feel strange (but it looks even stranger).

10. Which moves faster—yellow or black?

Can't get enough? Check out additional exercises!