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 internationally- recognized 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 25th 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It's easy to come up with new ideas; the hard part is letting go of what worked for you two years ago, but will soon be out-of-date.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 The Artist: 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 The Warrior: 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 Problem Finding Explorer 4. Action Warrior 2. Idea Finding Artist 3. Solution Finding Judge