Divergent (lateral) thinking is a special way of solving problems.Using it, one tries to look at the problem from different angles.Lateral thinking was represented by Edward de Bono.This is an outstanding thinker and author of other concepts: "6 Thinking Hats", "6 medals assessment" and others.
Lateral thinking is referred to as non-standard, unconventional, lateral, lateral, and so on.This method is intended to supplement, if necessary, conventional, traditional, vertical techniques.Understanding the need for innovative approaches it in the first place to those people and organizations that life and work are closely linked with the work, with the ability to create new ideas.
flexibility of thinking is the main condition for the selection of unconventional methods.The mechanism of non-standard approach is to destroy habitual stereotypes.Consciousness and thinking at the same time closely linked.Second destroys patterns.Consciousness, in turn, accepts new ideas.In some cases, new thoughts and ideas may not seem very good, but many of them with proper structuring have enough great potential and broad prospects.
Lateral thinking can be applied in various fields.Thus, innovative approaches can be used at work, if the specifics of the activities involves creativity, requires a constant renewal of ideas or ways to exit from various crisis situations.For example, in business very often there are situations in which successful and timely tell a joke to defuse the tense situation allows a team.Lateral thinking is possible to use on vacation, choosing, for example, the place to go on vacation.
main task unconventional approach is, according to some authors, overcoming search clichés.Consciousness is viewed as a passive system, as an environment in which there is an independent organization of information.
is believed that a person is very limited attention at a time.Often some people accuse others of a "fixation" on the issue.The principles of lateral thinking does not allow firmly establish information covering access to new data.An unconventional approach allows it to combine with existing knowledge, often forming a completely new and unexpected combinations.
unconventional way of solving the problem does not aim to achieve a particular result.In fact lateral thinking does not have absolute power.Non-standard approach is to use a special method of information in solving the problem, a method to try to seek, to go further.
In lateral thinking shared by three main stages: ordering, value and structuring.
Neuropsychology has found a link between non-standard (divergent) approach and convergent (standard) approach and the hemispheres of the brain.It is known that the left is responsible for logical reasoning, and the right - for intuitive perception.
Based on the tasks a person can use one or the other hemisphere.For example, an artist more active right, and an accountant - left.
associativity unconventional approach allows the use of inner freedom.The characteristic features of divergent thinking should include "fluency of perception."It reflects the ability to create multiple ideas simultaneously.Another feature of the box thinking is flexibility.This feature provides the ability to quickly switch from one view to another.Another important factor is the presence of nontrivial - ability to form original ideas.