Formality of the Setting
Lateral thinking is an attitude that benefits from a formal brainstorming setting, which frees participants from inhibitions and allows them to use techniques like fractionation and reversal without fear of criticism.
THE IDEA
Formality of the setting
Lateral thinking is an attitude of mind, a type of thinking. It is not a special technique, much less a formal setting. Yet the value of a brainstorming session lies in the formality of the setting. The more formal the setting the better. The more formal the setting the more chance there is of informality in ideas within it. Most people are so steeped in vertical thinking habits that they feel very inhibited about lateral thinking. They do not like being wrong or ridiculous even though they might accept the generative value of this. The more special the brainstorming session is the more chance there is of the participants leaving their inhibitions outside. It is much easier to accept that 'anything goes' as a way of thinking in a brainstorming session than as a way of thinking in general.
Within this formal setting one can use all the other techniques that have been described so far for restructuring patterns and also those techniques which are yet to be described. One can try dividing things up into fractions and putting these together in new ways. One can try reversal. One does not have to apologize for it or even explain it to the others. The formality of the session gives one the licence to do what one likes with one's own thoughts without reference to the criticism of others.
When to use it
Use a formal brainstorming session to generate ideas for a new product feature, allowing all ideas without criticism.
During a strategic planning workshop, allocate time for lateral thinking exercises where participants can combine unrelated concepts.
In a classroom, use a structured 'idea generation' session to help students break free from conventional thinking when solving a complex problem.
For personal creativity, set aside a formal time and place to think without constraints, writing down any idea that comes to mind.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Corporate Brainstorming Session
A company holds a formal brainstorming session with a strict rule that no criticism is allowed during idea generation. Participants are encouraged to propose any idea, no matter how unconventional. This structure helps employees overcome the fear of being judged and leads to more creative solutions.
Educational Setting
In a classroom, the teacher sets up a formal 'idea lab' where students are told that any idea is welcome and will not be dismissed. This allows students to explore radical concepts in science or literature that they might otherwise suppress.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you create a formal brainstorming setting in your team to encourage lateral thinking?
What personal inhibitions do you have that prevent you from suggesting 'wrong' or 'ridiculous' ideas?
Think of a problem you are working on. How could applying the reversal technique in a non-judgmental environment generate new insights?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)