Lateral Thinking as an Attitude to Prevent Polarization
Lateral thinking, when adopted as an attitude, prevents the emergence of problems caused by sharp divisions and polarizations that the mind imposes. It counters arrogance and rigidity while acknowledging the usefulness of mental patterns.
THE IDEA
Prevention of sharp divisions and polarizations
Perhaps the most necessary use of lateral thinking is when it is not used deliberately at all but acts as an attitude. As an attitude lateral thinking should prevent the emergence of those problems which are only created by those sharp divisions and polarizations which the mind imposes on what it studies. While acknowledging the usefulness of the patterns created by mind one uses lateral thinking to counter arrogance and rigidity.
When to use it
Resolving team conflicts by encouraging exploration of non-obvious solutions beyond dichotomies.
Educational settings where teachers model open-mindedness to prevent students from forming rigid opinions.
Business strategy sessions to uncover innovative options that transcend traditional competitive polarities.
Personal self-reflection to break out of fixed mindsets and consider alternative perspectives.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Team Strategy Debate
A team is split between two opposing strategies. Instead of forcing a binary choice, members adopt a lateral thinking attitude to explore hybrid solutions or entirely new alternatives, avoiding polarization.
Political Discussion
In a heated political debate, a person uses lateral thinking as an attitude to understand both sides without rigidly adhering to a single viewpoint, reducing divisive rhetoric.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you adopt a lateral thinking attitude in a current disagreement to avoid binary thinking?
What patterns of polarization do you notice in your own thinking, and how might lateral thinking soften them?
When have you seen rigidity or arrogance cause problems, and how could a lateral thinking attitude have helped?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)