Lateral thinking: the secret superpower for creativity & innovation

Have you ever wondered why some people come up with innovative ideas while others stay stuck in old ways of thinking? The key lies in lateral thinking! If you think outside the box, you will discover new possibilities and revolutionary solutions. In this article, you will find out what lateral thinking really means, how you can apply it and why it is crucial for professional and personal success.

Lateral thinking: What's really behind it?

Lateral thinking refers to an unconventional and creative way of thinking that aims to break through existing thought patterns and find new solutions. It is an important component of innovation and Problem solutionas it enables new perspectives to be adopted and alternative paths to be explored.

Also find out how Personality Development can change your thinking permanently.

The surprising story behind lateral thinking

The term "lateral thinking" originates from psychology and creativity research. In the 1960s, psychologist Edward de Bono coined the concept of lateral thinking, which is often equated with lateral thinking. It involves leaving familiar thought patterns behind and creating new, often unexpected connections between ideas.

Why lateral thinkers are changing the world

In business and science, lateral thinking is seen as a valuable skill. It helps to develop innovative products, open up new markets and find creative solutions to complex problems. Companies such as Apple and Tesla owe their success in part to their ability to think beyond traditional approaches.

Many successful business personalities owe their success to their ability to think outside the box and constantly develop themselves further.

Conventional thinking vs. lateral thinking: what's the difference?

While conventional thinking is often linear and rule-based, lateral thinking is associative and explorative. It is about recognizing unexpected connections, adopting alternative perspectives and finding creative solutions.

4 ingenious methods to think more creatively right away

  1. Change of perspectiveView problems from different angles.
  2. BrainstormingCollect spontaneous ideas without evaluating them immediately.
  3. SCAMPER methodModify, combine or transform an existing idea.
  4. Provocation techniqueConsciously make absurd or unusual assumptions in order to get new food for thought.

The dark side of lateral thinking: challenges and misunderstandings

Lateral thinking can be challenging as it is often confronted with resistance from existing structures. It can also be misunderstood or misinterpreted. Recently, the term "lateral thinking" has been associated in Germany with a political movement protesting against government measures. This has given the term a negative connotation in some contexts.

How to unleash your creative potential

Lateral thinking is an essential skill for creative problem solving and innovation. Thinking outside the box opens up new possibilities and helps to drive progress and development. In a constantly changing world, the ability to find unconventional solutions is a decisive advantage - whether at work, in business or in your personal life.

Would you like to find out how your individual thinking behavior influences your creativity? Then take the free Personality Test and discover which thought patterns help you - or perhaps slow you down!

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Greator Slogan: It's in youGreator awards: Innovation Champion 2024 from Focus, Kununu Top Company 2023-2025, Great Place to Work certified 2020-2024 and World's Best Employer 2023.
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