How to Think Laterally
Problem-solving, and lateral thinking in particular, requires that we
think counter-intuitively, since intuitive/linear thinking brought us into the problem.
For example, when there's a problem, the
initial tendency is to focus on the problem because that is the target of our frustration (be it bad morale, falling productivity, inferior quality, or whatever). Lateral thinking suggests looking at it from different persepctivers altogether, such as
looking at the intended result instead and thus posing every question in light of its positive or negative effect on achieving that goal/result.
What about the
customers' perspective - whether its about the problem - or even the intended result? Who knows, maybe the intended result is outdated.