RSS Feed
The gravity of straight line thinking
A straight line is the world’s simplest pattern. It connects any two points: A to B, start to finish, end to end. When faced with a question, our minds instantly scan existing patterns and identify the recognizable one as the answer. Example: Five plus five equals what? The straight line answer is ten.
But, ten is not the only answer. Five plus five can also equal three plus seven. Or two plus eight. Or twelve minus two. Or twenty divided by two.
The straight line answer, the first one we discover, acts as an anchor for all subsequent ideas. 
The line connecting two points has a gravitational pull that limits our thinking and constricts creativity. Once point B is identified, our creativity is generally limited to variations on that point. The gravity of the logic that defined the point does not permit additional answers to stray far from the pattern.
Lateral thinking, a term devised by Dr. Edward de Bono, describes a method to divert thinking away from the A to B pattern. It forces our thinking to violate patterned logic. It tricks our minds into considering wildly diverse alternatives. We may still solve the problem with a straight line, or a series of discontinuous straight lines. But the alternative lines stretch to new points radically askew from the direction of the first pattern.
The results of these diversions are unthinkable by standard thinking. These alternative patterns are the root of Blue Ocean Strategies. They represent what Dan Pink described in A Whole New Mind, as the future of opportunity for working people. Analytical thinking patterns based in logic and reason support jobs which are easily outsourced or relegated to software. Creative thinking – generating alternative solutions, or questioning point A before seeking unconventional connecting points – these are where innovative opportunities are discovered. Forget “outside the box” thinking. Question instead why “the box” was benchmarked as point A in the first place.
If innovation is so valuable to an organization’s ability to succeed, why aren’t creative thinking skills actively taught in school or in business? Analytical skills, critical thinking, logic and reason are all strongly represented. I’m not suggesting these should be abandoned. They serve a valuable function. But, alone, these are self defeating. Self anchoring. They do not produce innovative points of view. They do not permit wrong answers the consideration they deserve – answers which could be the springboard to reach an inconceivably right answer.
Our minds are extremely efficient at locating point B. We should be equally proficient at challenging point A and conceiving points X, Y, Z or points by any other tag. It’s far easier to temper an impossible idea than it is to expect to find distinction through incremental variations of existing ideas.
The discovery of distinctive solutions does not result from thinking in recognizable patterns. Parallel Thinking and Lateral Thinking are two proven strategies for achieving breakthrough ideas by defying established thinking patterns.
Chas Martin
4 Comments
View Printer Friendly Version
Email Article to Friend
Reader Comments (4)
De Bono's work has become particularly popular in the sphere of business - perhaps because of the perceived need to restructure corporations, to allow more flexible working practices and to innovate in products and services. The methods have migrated into corporate training courses designed to help employees and executives 'think out of the box'/' think outside the box '.
Oddly enough, de Bono's real passion is in education. But, he doesn't limit himself to any sphere. The essence of his work applies to government as well as business, education or personal development.
Thanks for the comment.
I'm not questioning whether de Bono's methods are alternative or productive. A quick Internet search supports that. I just can't find much documentation that shows he's changing much beyond the business world. Some artists have channeled his inspiration but I couldn't find many non-profits in their long list of institutions that financially support his teachings.
I fundamentally believe that the long list of companies that are currently searching for new ways to do business using de Bono's ideas, are contributing the most to many of the world's largest problems. Thus, in my opinion, de Bono is obligated to promote sustainable, environmental sound and economically just options within the many Thinking Hats™ solutions his company provides.
If the world is to truly change, and humanity survive in the process, organizations like de Bono must understand their fundamental role in that change.
We don't think straight lines and paths from A to B are the best way. Diverging from the direct route and exposing one's self to several experiences then allows one draw upon those diverse experiences and to connect dots from seemingly unrelated things. As a result, that person's thinking and doing tends to be more creative and innovative.
shortest distance between two points is not the best way