Materials

In just seven hours, Dr de Bono shows managers and executives exactly how to leap out of mental ruts, escape stale intellectual patterns, and develop the keen thinking skills they need to lead an organisation successfully into the 21st century... Now Key People Can Learn to Think in Profitable New Ways

The Concept of Lateral Thinking

The Oxford English Dictionary credits Dr Edward de Bono with originating the term 'Lateral Thinking.' The term is used to describe a mental attitude as well as a set of techniques to foster creative thinking.

With lateral thinking, you are not looking for the 'right' answer but for a different arrangement of information to gain a fresh perspective.

The Difference Between Ordinary Thinking and Lateral Thinking

Let us call the ordinary way of thinking you are used to 'Vertical Thinking' - Upright, Traditional, Logical. Vertical thinking is analytical, sequential. It emphasizes the importance of being right every step of the way.

In contrast, lateral thinking, which might be called 'sidewise thinking' is deliberately provocative - Playful. It encourages thinking in disconnected leaps and bounds. It allows, even encourages, you to be wrong - to make mistakes. Thinking sidewise changes your point of view. It employs a variety of techniques you can learn just like any other skill, so you can enjoy and benefit from discovering alternative ways of looking at things and solving problems.

The exact procedures of lateral thinking defy brief description and summary. A very effective way to understand them and make them your own is to view Dr de Bono's programme. Each video is filled with clear examples and illuminating exercises.

How Thinking Sidewise Can Help A Business to Flourish

A company's survival, stability and growth in today's challenging business environment depend directly on the problem-solving and decision-making skills of key managers. It is no longer enough to recruit, hire and nurture the brightest and best. The brightest and best were probably schooled in traditional vertical learning that paid off with A's for the only 'right' answers.

Vertical thinkers navigate well when the ship is on an even keel. You will not find vertical thinkers making waves. But with their hand on the tiller, the 'ship' may capsize in the rough wake of fast-paced competition operating at breakneck speeds.

Whether a company operates under cut-throat conditions or not, you still need the best problem-solvers and decision makers possible at all levels of management. Even more so at the top of the corporate ladder.

How the Lateral Thinking Program Works

Thinking is nothing more than a skill - like golf or carpentry. It is a skill that can be learnt. No longer do managers have to accept the idea that their analytical powers are limited by I.Q.'s or which courses they had in college. This lively seven part video cassette programme demolishes the barricades that stand in the way of more effective business problem solving

In his stimulating - often entertaining - style, Dr de Bono shows one how to break the habit of approaching problems head on. Through scores of case studies and colourful graphics, he reveals an exciting new window from which executives and managers can view everyday business challenges with fresh and productive insights.

Dr de Bono's delivery is spirited and the pace is energetic. At every stage, viewers are challenged to think, invited to participate and motivated to get involved in the learning process. In addition, videotaped sessions of groups actually using their recently acquired lateral thinking techniques are shown.

This programme takes people far beyond mere brainstorming to the generation of brilliant, useful ideas to apply to products, services and internal operations. This is no ivory tower approach, but a practical, down-to-earth method executives and managers can put to use immediately for dramatic bottom line impact.

Screening the Programme

Completely self administered the programme requires no introduction or supervision by company personnel. It can be completed in a single day or scheduled over a period of time. It may be shown to groups of individuals. Because it is delivered as seven cassettes, it can be 'bicycled' among several managers for screening at their own convenience.

Who Will Benefit from this Programme?

'Lateral Thinking: The Video Series' is specifically designed for key managers, top executives and candidates aspiring to these ranks. While the illustrative problems range from the simple to complex, the language and sophistication level make the programme compelling for even the most experienced executive.

Because the series stimulates creative approaches to problems - engineers, technical personnel and marketing people will find the programme helpful. In his presentation, Dr de Bono, pays particular attention to research and development.

Since the skills developed by this series are not dependent upon any educational qualification benefit will be equally derived by any participant - middle managers, supervisors and specialists alike. Lateral Thinking will give them new tools to use in solving everyday problems.