Lateral Thinking 

What is Lateral Thinking? (Definition and Characteristics)

Lateral thinking refers to a style of problem-solving that uses indirect, creative and non-linear approaches instead of the usual step-by-step logical method. The term was introduced by Edward de Bono in 1967, who argued that traditional logic, or “vertical thinking,” often limits creativity. Lateral thinking encourages us to step outside predictable patterns and view a situation from fresh angles.

In simple words, lateral thinking helps us solve problems by breaking old patterns, suspending rigid logic temporarily, and generating new ideas that are not immediately obvious.

Characteristics of Lateral Thinking:

1. Lateral Thinking is Linked to Creativity

Lateral thinking is a process of creativity, not just a creative result. It helps us use information in new ways and come up with solutions that are unconventional.

• It focuses on how we think, not only what we produce.

• For example, the solar bottle bulb is a creative solution because it produces light without using conventional electricity. Such an idea comes from looking at resources differently.

2. It Breaks Old Patterns and Creates New Ones

Lateral thinking challenges the familiar ways of doing things. It tries to break the “concept prisons” created by old ideas.

• It does not guarantee success the first time, but even failed attempts become starting points for new ideas.

• The emphasis is always on the process of exploring possibilities, not only the final result.

3. It is Both an Attitude and a Method

Lateral thinking is not just a technique but also a mindset.

• As an attitude, it fights against rigidity and dogma.

• It respects old patterns but also tries to build better and more logical alternatives.

• Example: In the Trichy police case, J. K. Tripathy did not follow the usual method of fear or force. Instead, he used community-building, an unconventional yet logical approach for reducing tensions.

4. It Avoids Judgement and Rejects Rigidity

Lateral thinking does not say an old idea is “wrong.” Instead, it argues that relying on only one pattern is limiting.

• For example, fear and force may work in Mumbai due to its population and crime patterns, but may not work in smaller cities.

• Lateral thinking focuses on how information can be altered and adapted according to changing contexts.

5. It Depends on How the Mind Handles Information

Lateral thinking responds to the limitations of how our memory stores information.

• The human mind tends to form strong patterns, and we keep repeating them.

• Lateral thinking tries to free information from old patterns so that new possibilities can emerge.

• Example: In the Trichy police case, Tripathy did not depend on past practices of force. Instead, he changed the pattern to a more sensitive and community-based approach.

Conclusion

Lateral thinking is a powerful method that encourages creativity, flexibility, and new perspectives in problem-solving. Rather than following a strict logical sequence, it explores multiple angles and breaks old patterns. In modern workplaces, education, and governance, lateral thinking helps generate fresh ideas and innovative solutions.