Lateral Thinking - How to Workshop Innovative Ideas

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Think Outside the Box: How to Workshop Innovative Ideas with Lateral Thinking

When it comes to generating fresh ideas, traditional brainstorming sessions can sometimes feel stale and ineffective.

That's where lateral thinking comes in - a creative problem-solving technique that encourages us to approach challenges from new angles and perspectives.

By thinking "outside the box," we can unlock innovative solutions and uncover opportunities that we may have otherwise overlooked.

In this article, we'll explore the concept of lateral thinking, including its benefits and how to incorporate it into your brainstorming sessions.

We'll also provide practical tips and strategies for facilitating a successful lateral thinking workshop.

What is lateral thinking?

Lateral thinking is a term coined by Edward de Bono, a Maltese physician, and author who specialized in the field of creative thinking.

Unlike vertical thinking, which involves a step-by-step approach to problem-solving, lateral thinking encourages us to break out of established patterns and explore unconventional ideas.

The basic principle of lateral thinking is to generate as many ideas as possible, regardless of how unusual or seemingly impractical they may be.

By suspending judgment and refraining from criticism, we can open up new avenues of thought and increase our chances of discovering innovative solutions.

Why is lateral thinking important?

In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, innovation is key to staying ahead of the curve.

By cultivating a culture of lateral thinking within your organization, you can encourage employees to think creatively and approach challenges with a fresh perspective.

Moreover, lateral thinking can help break down mental barriers and overcome common cognitive biases that can impede our problem-solving abilities.

By considering a wider range of possibilities, we can avoid getting stuck in "groupthink" and unlock truly innovative ideas.

How to workshop innovative ideas using lateral thinking

To incorporate lateral thinking into your brainstorming sessions, try the following steps:

1. Define the problem or challenge at hand: Clearly articulate the issue you are trying to solve or the goal you are trying to achieve.
2. Set the ground rules: Explain the concept of lateral thinking and encourage participants to generate as many ideas as possible. Remind them to suspend judgment and refrain from criticizing each other's ideas.
3. Generate ideas: Ask participants to brainstorm as many solutions or ideas as possible. Encourage them to think beyond the obvious and consider unconventional approaches.
4. Refine and select ideas: After the ideation phase, review the ideas generated and select those that are most promising. Refine and develop those ideas further.
5. Implement and evaluate: Once you have identified a potential solution, put it into action and evaluate its effectiveness.

By incorporating lateral thinking into your brainstorming sessions, you can unlock innovative ideas and take your problem-solving abilities to the next level.

Remember, there are no bad ideas in lateral thinking - only opportunities to discover something truly unique and groundbreaking.

Enjoy This Video Tutorial About Lateral Thinking

Source: Big Think

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