Vertical vs. Lateral Thinking

When it comes to our daily lives, lateral and vertical thinking take distinct methods. Vertical thinking was thought to be a conventional method of thinking since people regarded it to be the only conceivable and correct way of thinking. It was also thought that vertical thinking was the only type that distinguished between lateral and vertical thinking. The distinction between these two ways of thinking may appear sacrilegious at times, but it is only found to make sense in critical occasions. Behavior and self-maximization are also important in these two styles of thinking. Vertical thinking is considered to be selective in a manner that being right matters before having a conclusion. It has a way of selecting the right path to come up with the most likely solution to a problem. With vertical thinking, different approaches are looked upon then the one that looks promising is chosen. In other words, only the best method is considered in vertical reflection. Lateral thinking on this other hand involves generative thinking. For instance, richness is what matters in lateral thinking. By this I mean, lateral thinking does find other pathways other the selected ones. It is known that with lateral thinking, a variety of alternatives are generated so that the right one can be chosen. Only the promising paths are determined after a wide selection. Lateral thinking is also known for creating different approaches the purpose of just making them.

Direction wise, vertical thinking only moves if only there is a way. In this type of thinking, only when there is a solution or direction at the end will vertical thinking considered to be used. One also does not have to move just for the sake of moving not unless they are moving towards something. With vertical reflection, an experiment must also be shown so as to show the effect. This means a vertical thinker believes they are sure of what they may be looking for. In lateral thinking, no one cares about their movement because they just move just for the sake. For instance, there is a possibility one is moving away from something not just towards something. For lateral thinking, one moves just for the sake of creating a new path. An experiment should be designed in lateral thinking so as to give a chance for one to change the other’s mindset. Lateral thinking also allows one to play with ideas and experiments to get a solution

Personal experience

On my day to day life, I would choose to use lateral thinking because of its diverse selection. For instance, since am a student, when I am given an assignment, and it happens I have the answers, I will not directly go for the answers rather that find out the methods used to get the answers. In this book where it demonstrates how the bridge is built, vertical thinking could be the best solution. However, the reason why I would go for lateral thinking is that I will discover ways of how the bridge was built. I would also choose lateral thinking because, on a day to day life, this type of thinking makes one learn from the mistakes we make. It also gives a mindset of risking to do something all because one has the belief of succeeding. In conclusion, lateral thinking is only for people who believe in success.

Works Cited

bono, E. D. (1994). lateral thinking-creativity step by step. Harper Collins publishers.