Lateral Thinking and Roger von Oech Creative Thinking

Lateral Thinking and Roger von Oech Creative Thinking Methods

What is Lateral Thinking? � Means generating ideas by being flexible and creative � Lateral thinkers break away from standard solutions and solve problems in unique and different ways � Allows the problem solver to look at the problem from a unique perspective � Also known as “thinking outside the box” � http: //www. jamesabela. co. uk/intermediate/Lateral. html

Who is Roger von Oech � Roger von Oech is an internationallyrecognized creativity consultant who has worked with major companies from around the world, including Anheuser-Busch, General Foods, Hallmark Cards, Hewlett-Packard, NASA and Procter & Gamble � His book, "A Whack on the Side of the Head", is a classic in the field of creativity and innovation and is now on its 25 th Edition

Von Oech Quotes � Either you let your life slip away by not doing the things you want to do, or you get up and do them. � If you make an error, use it as a stepping stone to a new idea you might not have otherwise discovered. � It's easy to come up with new ideas; the hard part is letting go of what worked for you two years ago, but will soon be out-of-date. � Necessity may be the mother of invention, but play is certainly the father. � Remember the two benefits of failure. First, if you do fail, you learn what doesn't work; and second, the failure gives you the opportunity to try a new approach.

The Reason for all the Hats “The problem solving process” 1. Problem Finding 4. Action 2. Idea Finding 3. Solution Finding

Roger von Oech – author/consultant (“A Kick in the Seat of the Pants” Harper & Row - 1986 � Problem Finding � Idea Finding � Solution Finding � Action the Idea

Roger von Oech – 4 Roles with respect to our ideas � Explorer-Problem Finding � Artist-Idea Finding � Judge-Solution Finding � Warrior-Action the Idea

von Oech-4 roles � The Explorer: � The Artist: ◦ Seeking new territories and looking at possible opportunities ◦ Creating new innovative ideas in response to an opportunity

von Oech-4 roles � The Judge: � The Warrior: ◦ Evaluate the ideas generated to see if any are worthy of pursuit and implementation ◦ Fight for the idea, overcome obstacles and barriers and serve as a “champion” for the idea

The Explorer (Von Oech) � Searches for Information � Strategies: ◦ ◦ Takes the road less travelled Look at the big picture Pay attention to detail Look in outside fields, disciplines and industries.

The Explorer (Von Oech) � Strategies cont’d: ◦ Write down ideas � Behaviours ◦ ◦ ◦ Scavenger hunt Microscope or telescope Market research Try a new skill Wilderness camping

The Artist (Von Oech) � Turns resources into new ideas � Strategies: ◦ ◦ ◦ Imagine Combine ideas Break down barriers Parody – Silly Outrageous Incubate

The Artist (Von Oech) � Behaviours: ◦ ◦ ◦ Cooking gourmet dinners Dancing at midnight under full moon Write a poem or make up a joke Design a costume Wonder WHY? Or WHAT IF?

The Judge (Von Oech) � Evaluate the merits of an idea � Strategies: ◦ ◦ ◦ Objective, unbiased Positive or negative Chances for success Consequences of failure Timing Verdict

The Judge (Von Oech) � Behaviours: ◦ ◦ ◦ Comparison Shopping Grade and essay Make an investment Vote Referee

The Warrior (Von Oech) � Carries the idea into action � Strategies: ◦ ◦ ◦ Written plan Get going Follow through Be ready to be knocked down Savour your victories Learn from defeats

The Warrior (Von Oech) � Behaviours: ◦ ◦ ◦ Make a sales call Competitive sports Start a company Negotiate a contract Support a cause

Problem Solving & von Oech 1. Problem Finding 4. Action 2. Idea Finding 3. Solution Finding

Problem Solving & von Oech 1. Problem Finding Explorer 4. Action Warrior 2. Idea Finding Artist 3. Solution Finding Judge