In vertical thinking one has to be right at every step. So, no matter
how many steps are taken, the end point (idea, solution, conclusion)
is automatically right if all the intervening steps have been right... In
lateral thinking one does nothaveto be right at each step, but one
must be right at the end.Delaying judgement is difficult. It goes against the grain. You
have to make a conscious effort to hold back until the right
moment arrives, which is when you feel that you have collected
as many new ideas as you can in the time available.
Our training, our inhibitions, our reluctance to look foolish or
to go out on a limb all work against us. We should certainly try to
do it ourselves and persuade other people to go along with us.
But we can help the processes of opening up, introducing discon-
tinuity and releasing new ideas by the technique of brain-
storming.
Brainstorming
Brainstorming has been defined as a means of getting a large
number of ideas from a group of people in a short time. It is
essentially a group activity which uses a formal setting to
generate as many ideas as possible without pausing to evaluate
them.
The main features of a brainstorming session are as follows:
- A group of between six and twelve people is assembled.
Some will be directly involved with the problem, some
should be drawn from other areas from which they can
bring different ideas and experience to bear on the problem.
There is a chairman and a note-taker. - The chairman defines the rules, emphasizing that:
- The aim is to get as many ideas as possible.
- No attempt will be made to evaluate any ideas.
- No one should feel inhibited about coming up with
suggestions.
- If necessary there is a warm-up session to familiarize the
group with the procedure. For example, they could be
asked to suggest how many uses they can think of for a
paper clip.
How to be Creative 51