NO and PO
De Bono uses NO for judging and rejecting an arrangement of information, and PO for suspending judgment while rearranging it. PO marks a provocation to explore, giving an unfamiliar pattern time to suggest a useful idea.
THE IDEA
NO and PO
The concept of logical thinking is selection and this is brought about by the processes of acceptance and rejection. Rejection is the basis of logical thinking. The rejection process is incorporated in the concept of the negative. The negative is a judgement device. It is the means whereby one rejects certain arrangements of information. The negative is used to carry out judgement and to indicate rejection. The concept of the negative is crystallized into a definite language tool. This language tool consists of the words no and not. Once one learns the function and use of these words one has learned how to use logical thinking. The whole concept of logical thinking is concentrated in the use of this language tool. Logic could be said to be the management of NO.
The concept of lateral thinking is insight restructuring and this is brought about through the rearrangement of information. Rearrangement is the basis of lateral thinking and rearrangement means escape from the rigid patterns established by experience. The rearrangement process is incorporated in the concept of the (re) laxative. The laxative is a rearranging device. It is the means whereby one can escape from established patterns and create new ones. The laxative allows the arrangement of information in new ways from which new patterns can arise. The concept of the laxative is crystallized into a definite language tool. This language tool is PO. Once one learns the function and use of PO one has learned how to use lateral thinking. The whole concept of lateral thinking is concentrated in the use of this language tool. Lateral thinking could be said to be the management of PO just as logical thinking is the management of NO.
PO is to lateral thinking what NO is to logical thinking. NO is a rejection tool. PO is an insight restructuring tool. The concept of the laxative is the basis of lateral thinking just as the concept of the negative is the basis of logical thinking. Both concepts have to be crystallized into language devices. It is essential to have language devices because of the passive nature of the mechanism of mind. The language devices are themselves patterns which interact with other patterns on the self-organizing memory surface of mind to bring about certain effects. Such language devices are extremely useful in one’s own thinking and for communication they are essential.
Although both NO and PO function as language tools the operations they carry out are totally different. NO is a judgement device. PO is an anti-judgement device. NO works within the framework of reason. PO works outside that framework. PO may be used to produce arrangements of information that are unreasonable but they are not really unreasonable because lateral thinking functions in a different way from vertical thinking. Lateral thinking is not irrational but arational. Lateral thinking deals with the patterning of information not with the judgement of those patterns. Lateral thinking is prereason. PO is never a judgement device. PO is a construction device. PO is a patterning device. The patterning process may also involve depatterning and repatterning.
Although PO is a language tool it is at the same time an anti-language device. Words themselves are just as much cliché patterns as the way they are put together. PO provides a temporary escape from the discrete and ordered stability of language which reflects the established patterns of a self-organizing memory system. That is why the full function of PO is unlikely to have evolved in the development of language. Instead PO arises from consideration of the patterning behaviour of the mind.
The function of PO is the arrangement of information to create new patterns and to restructure old ones.
These two functions are but different aspects of the same process but for convenience they may be separated.
Creating new patterns.
Challenging old patterns.
These two functions can be expressed in another way:
Provocative and permissive: putting information together in new ways and allowing unjustified arrangements of information.
Liberating: disrupting old patterns in order to allow the imprisoned information to come together in a new way.
When to use it
Brainstorming sessions where ideas are generated without judgment (PO) and then filtered later (NO).
Creative problem-solving when stuck in a mental rut—using PO to break away from established patterns.
Design thinking processes where divergent thinking (PO) is followed by convergent thinking (NO).
Challenging business-as-usual assumptions in strategic planning by using PO to propose radical alternatives.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Using PO in a brainstorming session
During a brainstorming session, participants are encouraged to use 'PO' to introduce wild, unsubstantiated ideas without immediate judgment. For example, someone might say 'PO, what if our product could be delivered by drones?' This provocation opens up new possibilities without the constraint of practicality, allowing the group to explore novel solutions.
Applying NO to filter ideas
After generating marketing ideas, a team rejects some with 'NO, that approach is too expensive' or 'NO, that does not align with our brand values.' This applies selection criteria to the ideas; the usefulness of the selection depends on the criteria and their application.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How can you intentionally use PO to challenge a deeply held assumption in your own thinking?
Think of a recent situation where you immediately said 'NO' to an idea. Could 'PO' have led to a different outcome?
In what contexts is it more effective to use NO (logical rejection) versus PO (creative provocation)?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)