Lateral thinking is concerned not with playing with the existing pieces but with seeking to change those very pieces. It is concerned with the perception part of thinking. This is where we organise the external world into the pieces we can then 'process'.

Analysis is simplifying, breaking down things into parts, picking out strands and elements. Analysis is comparing unknown things with things that are known. Analysis also involves picking out relationships and putting them back together as a whole.

We still seek to solve conflicts with 'judgement' instead of designing the way forwards.

We do not make very full value of the opportunities provided by technology because we prefer critical to constructive thinking, argument to design.

Once a new idea springs into existence, it cannot be unthought. There is a sense of immortality in a new idea.

Creative thinking is not a talent, it is a skill that can be learned. It empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improves teamwork, productivity and, where appropriate, profits.

You cannot look in a new direction by looking harder in the same direction.