This Type of Thinking is One of The Most Crucial Problem-Solving Skills

Perhaps you’re used to being asked what you think. But what about how you think? Lateral and vertical thinking are terms that pertain to problem-solving. Lateral thinking is about solving problems through a creative, indirect approach. Vertical thinking is about solving problems through a linear step-by-step approach.

Both of these types of thinking are productive in their own right, but lateral thinking is one of the most crucial skills to cultivate in a team. It’s worth paying attention to because it’s a little less common than vertical thinking – yet offers big payoffs in terms of innovation and creativity.

“Lateral thinking is about changing your thinking from the typical, logical path to a creative pathway. This skill is highly prized in creative industries and valued across a range of different industries and professions, including retail, law, management consultancy and IT,” says Emma Williams, organizational psychologist, certified strengths coach and Chief Research Officer at HIGH5 test.

“It is an extremely important way of thinking in the workplace since it allows you to produce fresh ideas to implement. Moreover, it also improves creativity and innovation amongst employees, encouraging them to think outside the box,” adds Andrei Kurtuy, co-founder and CCO at Novorésumé.

Some people naturally gravitate towards lateral thinking, connecting dots and looking at problems with a fresh perspective. The website Critical Thinking Secrets shares the example of unsticking a frozen car door to illustrate lateral thinking in action: “A lateral thinker can draw from a wide range of resources and knowledge to solve problems others wouldn’t. Rubbing alcohol, for example, can also unfreeze locks.

“A lateral thinker would also realize that hand sanitizers, which we all now carry thanks to COVID-19, contain a high amount of alcohol. Squirt some onto both sides of your car key, inserting the car key, and within a few turns, you’ll have an unlocked car.”

How to cultivate lateral thinking in your team

That being said, even though some people are lateral thinkers – and it’s a trait you could look for while hiring – lateral thinking is a skill that can be cultivated. Here’s how to foster it in your team.

1. Get in the habit of reframing problems

First, get in the habit of reframing problems instead of jumping to tried-and-true approaches to solving them. “By pushing boundaries and pushing conventions, lateral thinkers can see new possibilities that others may not be able to imagine. They have an instinct to seek out new ways to tackle problems. This approach is more effective when it’s paired with an environment that encourages creativity, innovation and problem-solving,” says Williams.

So when having a team meeting to solve a complex issue, don’t just let the conversation turn into a step-by-step process. Challenge the assumptions that are being made about the problem in the first place. Look for inspiration in industries that have nothing to do with yours. Invite people from other teams to join the discussion.

2. Ask questions often

Asking multiple questions to encourage your team to think outside the box during meetings is also key, says Kurtuy. “For example, if you are working on the branding of a new product, ask your team members to think of the product from the perspective of different genders and ages to enhance their thinking skills.”

Keep in mind that some team members are introverts who may not talk a lot, but who may have rich insights to share when prompted. Ask them questions too – don’t just let the usual suspects lead the way. Diversity of perspective is important for cultivating lateral thinking.

3. Listen without preconceived notions

“More leaders should be open to listening to ideas without any bias presented by employees to encourage them. Remember that most of the success stories of brands these days actually started with one of those crazy ideas,” adds Williams.

We all have unconscious biases, so it’s important to be aware that you have blind spots and aim to be as open-minded as possible when listening to what your team is sharing with you.

4. Encourage your team to work from different environments

Finally, don’t underestimate the impact of working from different environments, whether that’s hosting an off-site or implementing a hybrid work model that allows people to work from different places at different times.

“To develop lateral thinking skills in your employees, encourage them to work from different physical spots instead of the same office spot all day long – outside stimuli can help stimulate creative thinking,” according to Kurtuy.