The document contrasts vertical and lateral thinking, illustrating vertical thinking as a selective, analytical approach relying on data for decision-making, while lateral thinking is described as an indirect, creative problem-solving method. It discusses Edward de Bono's contributions to the concept of lateral thinking, including various techniques and tools for idea generation and movement. Additionally, the document outlines the applications of these thinking styles through the 'Six Thinking Hats' system and compares characteristics of both approaches.

1. Solvethemaze…!!!

2. Were you correct???
Oh Good!

3. What if…..
???

4. Yes, Of course… Both are correct!
Then… What is the difference?

6. Vertical Thinking
Vertical thinking is a type of approach to problems that usually
involves one being selective, analytical, and sequential.
Vertical thinkers prefer to rely on external data and facts in order
avoid failure.
Vertical thinking consists of
using more of a conscious
approach via rational
assessment in order to take in
information or make decisions.

7. So… What type of thinking is this???

8. LATERAL THINKING
AEX 201 Communication Skills and
Personality Devlopment

9. Definition:
• Lateral thinking is a manner of solving problems using an
indirect and creative approach via reasoning that is not
immediately obvious.
• It involves ideas that may not be obtainable using only
traditional step-by-step logic.

10. About…
LateralThinking
First used by Edward de Bono
in 1967
Linked to humour,
bringing out different
concepts and perception.
Generates new insight,
various thought
patterns
Deliberately varies from the standard
perception of creativity as vertical logic

11. A classic example cited by Edward for Lateral Thinking is the
“Judgement of Solomon.”

12. The story is about the decision taken between two women claiming to be
the mother of a same child.
To bring out the truth, Solomen, King of Isreal, suggests to cut the baby
into half and share one half each.
Then the truth was displayed with one women completely accepting the
order as the non mother and the one who begged for the child’s life as the
real mother.
Judgement of Solomon

13. Tools for Lateral Thinking:
• Lateral thinking must be distinguished from Critical thinking.
• Critical thinking: Judging the True value of the statement and
seeking for errors.
• Lateral thinking: Focuses on the Movement value of the
statement and ideas. This is used to move from one known fact
to other.
• Edward de Bono defines four tools of thinking.

14. Idea
Generating
Tool
Focus Tool
Harvest
Tool
Treatement
Tool
To break routine thinking pattern
To broaden mind to search for new
ideas
To ensure value from idea generating output
To promote real world constraints,
research and support

15. Lateral Thinking Techniques:
Idea Generation Technique
• Random Entry Idea Generation
• Provocation Technique
Movement Technique
• Challenge
• Concept Formation
• Disproving
• Fractation

16. Idea Generation Technique

17. • Random Entry Idea Generation:
Making connections with some random object, word or any,
with the present thought of situation.
Eg: Ideas we make to relate and remember things.
• Provocation Technique:
Using a statement which we know is wrong, but intentionally
to bring out different plans and ideas.
Eg: Houses without roof

18. Movement
Technique

19. Movement is not just an intention or a positive attitude of the mind.
There are five formal ways of getting movement:
1. Extract a principle or feature and work forward from that.
2. Focus on the difference.
3. Look at the moment-to-moment effect of putting the idea into
practice.
4. Focus on the positive aspects.
5. Figure under what circumstances there would be direct value.

20. • Challenge:
Searching reasons for or of anything with the question
“WHY” which could yield alternatives.
• Concept Formation:
Challenging a situation leads to different reasons which would
all be derived from a basic principle. As the same, forming concepts
for our own alternative ideas is known to be concept formation.
• Disproving:
Taking an opposite view of a statement and trying to disprove
the original one convincingly with strong evidences.

21. • Fractation:
This is to create alternative perceptions of problems and
solutions by taking the commonplace view of the situation and break it
into multiple alternative situations in order to break away from the fixed
view and see the situation from different angles.
Eg: A theft or murder scene.

22. Strategic System for Lateral Thinking:
Edward de Bono, based on his theory, structured a system of
methodological thinking called…
TheSixThinkingHatsSystem

24. ACTIVITY HAT SEQUENCE
Initial Ideas Blue, White, Green, Blue
Choosing between alternatives
Blue, White, (Green), Yellow, Black, Red,
Blue
Identifying Solutions Blue, White, Black, Green, Blue
Quick Feedback Blue, Black, Green, Blue
Strategic Planning
Blue, Yellow, Black, White, Blue, Green,
Blue
Process Improvement
Blue, White, White (Other People's
Views), Yellow, Black, Green, Red, Blue
Solving Problems
Blue, White, Green, Red, Yellow, Black,
Green, Blue
Performance Review
Blue, Red, White, Yellow, Black, Green,
Blue

25. De Bono’s Puzzle!

26. Beneficial Effects of Lateral Thinking:
Three levels:
• A change in attitude towards creativity.
• Use of label of lateral thinking.
• Fluent and deliberate use of lateral thinking techniques.
- Edward de Bono

27. Vertical Thinking Lateral Thinking
• Left brain dominance • Right brain dominance
• Linear process • Non Linear process
• Logical and Sequential • Creative and Imaginative
• One or Finite number of
solutions
• Multiple solutions
• Depicts the Depth of
Knowledge
• Reflects the Breadth of
Knowledge
• Qualitative • Quantitative
Vertical Thinking vs Lateral Thinking

29. De Bono’s Puzzle!
3
5
5

30. THANK YOU
S. Krupesh