The de Bono Suite of Productive

Creativity and Innovation Thinking Tools

Lateral Thinking:
The Tool Kit of
Pattern Breaking
Idea Generating Tools
Workshop and Seminar Pre-Reading Booklet

The Power of
Provocation.
If an opportunity doesnt
knock . . . build
a door.
Dr. Edward de Bono

Lateral Thinking :
The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking
Idea Generating Tools
Copyright 1999. The McQuaig Group Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be copied, reproduced, reprinted, used in films or video recording, or stored in electronic devices
without written permission of the copyright holders. The material may not be incorporated into training programs except
under the supervision of a certified Lateral Thinking Master Trainer or certified instructor. Lynda Curtin, Lateral Thinking
Master Trainer at The Opportunity Thinker, is pleased to provide you with this complimentary copy to help you prepare to
attend your upcoming event with her.

Author:
Dr. Edward de Bono
Booklet and Cover Design:
Michael Wheary, Calypso Concepts
Publisher:
de Bono Thinking Systems, Inc.,
formerly Advanced Practical Thinking Training, Inc. (APTT)
Publisher of this Edition:
The Opportunity Thinker with the permission of APTT.

www.deBonoForBusiness.com

The de Bono Suite of

Productive Creativity and
Innovation Thinking Tools

Contents

The de Bono Suite of

Productive Creativity and
Innovation Thinking Tools

Build Your Foundation ... Build Your Future ... Creativity is Serious Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
A Message from Lynda Curtin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
A Message from Edward de Bono . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
The Subject of Creativity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Misconceptions About Creative Thinking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using Tools and Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
The Lateral Thinking Tool Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
The Lateral Thinking Quick Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Testimonials and Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
My Creative Hit-List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Meet Lynda Curtin: The Opportunity Thinker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

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Build Your Foundation . . .

Build your Future . . .
Creativity is Serious Business.

The de Bono Suite of

Productive Creativity and
Innovation Thinking Tools

The de Bono Suite of Productive Creativity and Innovation Thinking Tools

The creative
process has had
Practical. Radical. Innovative.
Six Thinking Hats: A Creativity Process for Results Driven Groups
Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools
Focus on Facilitation: How to Lead Productive Thinking Together Meetings that Deliver Remarkable Results

The de Bono Suite of Productive Creativity and Innovation Thinking Tools are all about helping you and your groups
power-up your thinking skills so you can create better futures for your organizations, yourself, your colleagues, your customers, your families. Its all in how you go about thinking. Its really that simple.
1. Whats your thinking challenge?

2. Which thinking tools will you use?

3. OKthink! Challenge resolved!

more impact,
power, influence,
and success than
any other process
in history.
Robert Fritz

Fact: Creative thinking tools and steps are often missing in routine business processes. This contributes to stagnation;
nothing new--status quo; incremental improvements that eventually reduce the value of your products, systems, processes, strategy. Theres a huge gap to close. Lets close it.

Creative Thinking Should be a Regular Component of Your:

Decision making process
Problem solving process
Opportunity searching process

Lean Six Sigma process

Project Management Process
Change Management Process

Leadership development process

Communication process
R&D, Marketing and every process ...

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

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A Message From
Lynda Curtin

IBM conducted a global CEO study in 2010. The sur-

Productive Creativity and

Innovation Thinking Tools

Start thinking about your challenges. What is on your

prise? CEOs selected creativity as the most crucial factor

plate that would benefit from a good dose of Lateral Think-

for future success. Finally. I cant imagine what took them

ingCreativity? Thats what were going to focus on in this

so long. After all, creativity powers the economy and has

workshopequipping you with tools to find new solutions

done so for well over 100 years in North America.

that are workable and supported.

I was first certified to lead Lateral Thinking seminars

The de Bono Suite of

I love it when clients tell me Lynda, we convened a

I love it when clients

tell me Lynda, we

and workshops in 1994, the year it launched. My clients

Lateral Thinking meeting. Just the use of the term Lateral

have since used the tools to

Thinking sends a signal to the groupwere going to really

convened a Lateral

Increase sales by over $300 million

Generate ideas that led to patents

shake things up. Were going to find new idea pathways.

Thinking meeting.

Develop ideas to keep the product pipeline full

Uncovered new ingredients to use
Strengthen their creativity workouts

We have the tools and the process to do this. Perfect.

Im really looking forward to meeting you and helping

you power-up your creative thinking skills.

Design new business models

Good thinking to you.

Develop new strategies

Lynda Curtin

Solve pressing problems, and so on . . .

Just the use of the

term Lateral Thinking sends a signal
to the groupwere
going to really shake
things up.
Lynda Curtin

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

www.LyndaCurtin.com

A Message From
Edward de Bono

Over twenty-five years of experience in the field have

Games, he replied that he had used lateral thinking and he

taught me that the systematic techniques of Lateral Think-

mentioned the process of provocation. He had first learned

ing work in a powerful manner.

his lateral thinking from a presentation I had given to a

meeting of the Young Presidents Organization in Boca Ra-

After Montreal had sustained huge debts from its

hosting of the 1976 Olympic Games, no city in the world

Productive Creativity and

Innovation Thinking Tools

ton in 1975. This example illustrates three things:

wanted the 1984 Games. Finally, Los Angeles only agreed

1. That the technique can be taught.

2. That the techniques can be used deliberately.
3. That the techniques can have a powerful effect.

to host the Games because there was a guarantee from

the organizing committee that there would be no debts.
In the end, the Los Angeles Games made a surplus of $255

million and were so successful that today cities around the

Angeles Games was the ability of Mr. Ueberroth as an or-

world compete fiercely to get the Games which no one had

ganizer, leader and motivator of a very capable team. Nev-

wanted. When Peter Ueberroth, the outstanding organizer

ertheless, there is a point when new concepts are needed--

of the Los Angeles Games, was asked in an interview in the

and that is where lateral thinking comes in.

Washington Post (September 30, 1984) how he had gener-

The de Bono Suite of

Of course, the major factor in the success of the Los

Edward de Bono

ated the new concepts needed to make a success of the

The winner is the

chef who takes
the same ingredients as everyone
else and produces
the best results.
Edward de Bono

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

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The Subject
of Creativity

Productive Creativity and

Innovation Thinking Tools

Creativity is a messy and confusing subject. Much of

ing interchangeably because creative thinking is much

the difficulty arises directly from the words creative and

more widely known. I introduced the new term serious

creativity. At the simplest level creative means bringing

creativity in my book Serious Creativity (Harper Business,

into being something that was not there before. Under-

New York, 1992) in order to make a distinction between

standing the need for creativity in business and industry

formal creative techniques and just messing around and

today is the easy part. Everyone is faced with the need to

hoping that an idea will happen.

create a new product or service, solve a problem, or have

the leading edge over the competitors. Understanding

broad meaning and includes the bringing into existence of

the process of creativity and how individuals can learn

something new. We do not accept creating a mess as being

The Lateral Thinking

skills to be creative is what causes the confusion. This cre-

creative because the new thing is supposed to have value.

ation requires a special skill. The Lateral Thinking program

For example, artists are creative because they create new

program teaches

teaches individuals creativity and the skill of generating

things that have value. Yet, many artists are productive styl-

ideas while using their knowledge and experience.

ists who produce within the same perceptions and style of

Lateral Thinking Definitions

The word creative in the English language has a very

expression. There may be very little of the change in percep-

There are a number of ways of describing or defining Lat-

tions and concepts that is central to Lateral Thinking.

eral Thinking.

1. You cannot dig a hole in a different place by

digging the same hole deeper.
2. Lateral Thinking is for changing concepts and
perceptions instead of trying harder with the
same concepts and perceptions.
3. In self-organizing information systems, asymmetric patterns are formed. Lateral Thinking is
a method for cutting across from one pattern
to another.

The de Bono Suite of

I use the terms lateral thinking and creative think-

So one of the reasons for creating and using the term

individuals creativity
and the skill of generating ideas while

Lateral Thinking is to distinguish this kind of artistic cre-

using their knowledge

ativity from the thinking involved in creating new percep-

and experience.

tions and new concepts. There are, of course, artists who

also change concepts and perceptions and who do use
Lateral Thinking as such. This seems to particularly apply
to musicians in both popular and classical music. There
are also playwrights, novelists, architects, and others who
have used Lateral Thinking to open up new concepts and
perceptions. Even so, the Lateral Thinking course does not
pretend to turn a participant into an artist.

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

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Misconceptions about
Creative Thinking

Have you ever heard the following?

provide an innocent mind on a subject. But it is certainly

You have to be an artist to be creative.

not true that creativity is limited to artists.

Ideas have always happened.

Creativity is a talent that some people have and
others do not.
Creativity comes from rebels.

The de Bono Suite of

Productive Creativity and
Innovation Thinking Tools

Ideas have always happened.

There is an attitude which says that great new ideas

have always happened in different fields and that they

Being liberated is enough.

will continue to happen from time to time. So there is no

Tools and techniques are confining.

need to pay special attention to creativity. It is enough

Here are some thoughts on these misconceptions.

just to wait for new ideas to happen. A related version

You have to be an artist to be creative.

of this says that new ideas happen by evolution and that

Creativity, and
especially Lateral
Thinking, is also

This is totally untrue. There have been many creative

this cannot be speeded up. There is a story about the ori-

engineers, scientists, financiers, entrepreneurs, etc., who

gins of roast pork. It is said that roast pork was discovered

have not been artists. Creativity, and especially Lateral

when a pagoda burned down in China and a pig in the

Thinking, is also concerned with changing perceptions,

yard was also burned.

changing percep-

concepts, and ideas. In any situation where perception

and concepts are important, creativity is also important.

not have to wait for such occasions to get roast pork. We

tions, concepts,

That applies to most situations.

can roast pork more directly whenever we choose. In the

Because artists are creative in their own field does not

same way new ideas will continue to happen from time

mean that they have a general skill of creativity that can

to time, but we can also seek to get ideas in a more direct

be applied to any field. An artist usually has the motiva-

way through the use of deliberate creativity. One does not

tion to try something new, and sometimes the artist can

exclude the other.

Pagodas will burn down from time to time, but we do

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

concerned with

and ideas.

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Misconceptions about
Creative Thinking
Creativity is a talent . . .

Productive Creativity and

Innovation Thinking Tools

Creativity comes from rebels.

Rebels are creative because rebels want to be differ-

Today things are

cuses for not doing anything about creativity. It is true

ent. They are not much good at playing the game every-

that some people have a natural curiosity. It is true that

one else is playing. They may not even want to play the

some people have an active imagination. It is true that

game at all. They want to play their own game. This has

beginning to under-

some people are always trying to change things. But all

been a good starting point for creativity in the past.

stand the game

these effects can also be obtained through developing

the formal techniques of Lateral Thinking.

derstand the game of creativity. We can understand how

of creativity. We can

If a number of people run a race, someone will come

self-organizing information systems form asymmetric pat-

understand how

in first and someone second and someone last. This is de-

terns and how we can move across patterns. From such an

termined by natural running ability. Coaching, training, and

understanding come the formal tools of Lateral Thinking.

self-organizing in-

fitness regimens can alter ability. If everyone who ran in this

It may well be that the conformists will also be better at

formation systems

first race is now given a set of roller blades and is taught

playing this new game of creativity. The rebels will not

form asymmetric

how to use them, then everyone will go farther in the same

want to play this game and may not be any good at it. So

amount of time. Someone will still come first and someone

we may have the very strange paradox that the conform-

last, but not necessarily the same person as before.

ists may actually become more creative than the rebels.

we can move across

patterns. From such

This is a very traditional view and one of the best ex-

The de Bono Suite of

It is the same with creativity. If we do nothing about

Today things are changing. We are beginning to un-

Of course, the conformists have to want to be cre-

changing. We are

patterns and how

it, then we can only depend on natural talent. But if we

ative. They have to want to learn the game of creativity,

develop formal techniques and offer training in these

and they have to want to play that game. The rebels al-

an understanding

techniques, then everyone will be much more creative

ways have the motivation to challenge and to be different.

come the formal

than before. Some people will still be more creative than

So the conformists can become creative but they have to

others, as with any acquired skill.

want to.

tools of Lateral

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

Thinking.

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Misconceptions about
Creative Thinking
Being liberated is enough.

Many of the approaches to creativity in North America

Productive Creativity and

Innovation Thinking Tools

have to develop techniques for getting out of these established patterns.

Tools and techniques are confining.

are based on the notion that everyone is creative, but are

10

The de Bono Suite of

inhibited. So the effort is toward freeing people up and

Some people protest that any development of sys-

liberating them so that they can be creative. People are

tematic tools and techniques will be contrary to the very

encouraged to be playful and childlike. Traditional brain-

nature of creativity, which must be free. This shows a

storming itself is an attempt to liberate people by permit-

complete misunderstanding of tools.

ting them to say what they like without fear of censure.

Language is a formal tool that allows us to have and

protest that any

But this notion of liberation is not enough.

to express creative thoughts. A ladder is a tool that allows

An ordinary person tied up tightly with a rope can-

us to get to places that might otherwise be difficult to get

development of

not play a violin. That is obvious. But if we now cut the

to. A carpenters saw is a tool that allows the carpenter to

systematic tools

rope, does this make the liberated person a violinist? Cut-

make beautiful furniture. Mathematics is a tool that allows

ting the rope is indeed a necessary step but only a small

us to handle complex relationships.

and techniques

step. The person still has to acquire the skill of violin play-

ing. It is the same with creativity. Being liberated may be

and enable us to do things that would be very difficult to

a necessary step, but it is by no means the whole process.

do otherwise. A key is a formal tool that allows us to es-

It is also necessary to acquire creative skills. Indeed, un-

cape from a locked room. But the key does not determine

creativity, which

derstanding the logic of provocation achieves the same

where we then go.

effect as liberation.

must be free.

The analogy comparing creativity with the playful-

old-fashioned and much influenced by notions of artistic

ness of children is not a good one. Children have the

creativity. Too often creativity is just seen as being differ-

creativity of innocence because their minds have not yet

ent. Creativity is also seen as the opposite of being for-

formed many patterns. But the minds of adults are full of

mal. Yet music and ballet are both creative and formal at

patterns, so the creativity of innocence does not work. We

the same time.

Tools are liberating devices that amplify our skills

In general, a lot of the thinking about creativity is very

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

Some people

will be contrary to
the very nature of

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Using Tools
and Techniques

Attitudes are fine, but tools are more reliable. Many

themselves with their creativity.

tudes of freedom and playfulness. These attitudes may

work in the presence of the instructor but are difficult to

their own fields have said they get the best ideas when they

resurrect later.

use the Lateral Thinking tools systematically. Such people

are never short of ideas, but they surprise themselves with

up skill and confidence in the use of the Lateral Thinking

Innovation Thinking Tools

Over the years, many people who are highly creative in

a new idea only when they use the tools deliberately.

The Learning Process

tools, then you can apply these to any situation at any

11

Productive Creativity and

to be creative learn the Lateral Thinking tools and surprise

people attempt to teach creativity by encouraging atti-

Tools are much more concrete. Once you have built

The de Bono Suite of

time. You do not have to wait until you feel inspired.

At first, as a participant, you may have to fight the

It is sometimes argued that tools are fine, but with-

urge to start thinking of creative ideas without bother-

out motivation tools never get used. There are two ap-

ing to use the tools. The systematic formality of the tools

proaches here. You can motivate and inspire people to be

may seem to slow you down at first. It is easier to have

creative and then teach them the tools. Or you can teach

spontaneous ideas on a subject. At first, the tools will

them the tools and when they find they can use the tools

seem awkward to use. Learning the tools is just like learn-

and get new ideas then they become motivated to be cre-

ing to ride a bicycle. At first, riding a bicycle is awkward,

ative. Thats because now they have seen how it can be

and you would get there faster by walking. But when you

done and how it works. The second approach can be very

pick up the skills of cycling, then it becomes greatly su-

effective. People who have never considered themselves

perior to walking.

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

People who have

never considered
themselves to be
creative learn the
Lateral Thinking
tools and surprise
themselves with
their creativity.

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Using Tools
and Techniques
Do the Tools Work?

Many different people in different jobs and in differ-

Productive Creativity and

Innovation Thinking Tools

Time Tested

All the material in Lateral Thinking has been tried and

ent cultures have used the tools laid out in this course over

tested over many years in some cases, over twenty-five

the years. The tools do work and have produced powerful

years with thousands of students. There are today many

results. If someone claims that the tools do not work, the

thousands of people around the world who regularly use the

answer is that maybe the tools do not work for that person

tools of Lateral Thinking, sometimes with spectacular results.

because he or she has not yet developed a skill in using

Systematic Use

There are today

many thousands of

the tools. We know that skis work, so it is not much use

for a novice skier to complain that skis do not work. Math-

Thinking tools is stressed in this introduction as well as the

ematics works even though some people may not be very

course itself. The goal of the course is mastery of the tools.

good at mathematics.

Being systematic about learning and practicing tools is es-

world who regu-

sential. But even when you have mastered the tools, you

larly use the tools

Precise Use

The importance of the systematic use of the Lateral

people around the

Because creativity seems vague and open-ended and

will still get the best results when you use the tools sys-

because you cannot be sure of a result at a defined point,

tematically. Many people who are highly creative in their

of Lateral Think-

many people have come to believe that it is enough to

own fields have told me that they still get the best new

mess around. For this reason, the precise use of the tools

ideas (the ones that really surprise them) when they use

ing, sometimes

may seem strange to some participants of creativity. Yet,

the tools systematically.

with spectacular

the tools work best when used in a precise way.

results.

A carpenter has a full set of tools and uses them sys-

1. At any moment, know exactly what you are doing.

tematically to make beautiful furniture. Mastery of the

2. Be aware of the next step.

woodworking tools is essential. So is the deliberate use of

3. Follow the technique and do not allow yourself to

be distracted.

12

The de Bono Suite of

the tools. A carpenter does not flop about and hope that
things will happen.

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

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The Lateral
Thinking Tool Kit

The de Bono Suite of

Productive Creativity and
Innovation Thinking Tools

Focus Tools: Focus is a disciplined use of time, tools, and purpose.

Creative Hit-List: Whats next on the creative hit-list? What needs to be added to the creative hit-list?
Focus Statement: General area focus and purpose focus statements. Develop multiple focus statements. Generate focus statements
from many different angles to help uncover where to look for ideas.
Redefine the Problem: Generate many different problem definitions to help determine where to look for ideas.
Design the Creative Session Agenda: Select focus statement/s, decide which tools to use, plan for timing.

Idea Generating Tools: A robust variety of idea generating tools from which to choose.
Top-of-the-Head: Use knowledge and experience to generate existing ideas. Clear the mind of existing ideas to prepare the brain to
generate new ideas using pattern breaking idea generating tools.
Concept Fan: An inexhaustible idea generation tool. Extract concepts from ideas and use them as springboards to more ideas. This tool
alone will greatly improve the idea output of your creative sessions.

You can do no

Random Entry: An idea generating tool that jolts you out of ho-hum, same-old, dead-end thinking. Connections start to pop that result
in exciting new ideas.

better than to

Provocative Operation (PO): Four different ways to set up provocations in order to move forward to new idea territory. When youre
really stuck this is the tool to use. The key is being able to shift your thinking from judgment to movement.

attend a de Bono

Challenge: A tool to constructively challenge the status quo, routine patterns. Its a great structured process for thinking outside the box.
From deep understanding can come fresh new ideas.
Why A? Why B? Why C?
Current Thinking Checklist: Dominating ideas, assumptions, boundaries, essential factors, avoidance factors.

seminar.
Tom Peters

Idea Sorting Tool: A tool to help individuals & teams quickly organize idea output into a framework for action.
Harvesting: How to manage your idea output for long term value. Select ideas to build on right away. Identify ideas to work on later.
Expand your list of concepts for future consideration. Determine the nature of the ideas generated to help you move towards different
kinds of ideas next time break patterns.

Idea Building Tools: Now its time to work with one idea at a time. Build on an idea to see if it can be made
viable. Very often articulated ideas havent been explored in any detail and they get killed too early in the
process at the idea generating step. Tremendous potential is discarded.
Treatment: Can the idea be made to work within real-life constraints? How can it be strengthened? Can it be tailored to work within
resources available? What weaknesses need to be overcome?
Assessment: Checklists and assessment questions that take into consideration corporate alignment, risk, fit, power, etc.

13

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

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The Lateral Thinking

Quick Reference Guide

Focus

The de Bono Suite of

Productive Creativity and
Innovation Thinking Tools

Random Entry

A disciplined use of time, tools, and purpose.

Develop Focus Statements

Team Name PO
Bumblebee.

aha!

General area focus Purpose focus

Tip: Generate multiple problem definitions.
Attack many aspects!
Tip: Develop a Creative Hit List
Do: Pick tools and generate ideas

Concept Triangle

Concept
Principle
Association

Challenge . . . The Status Quo

Concepts are the breeding ground for ideas!

4. Ideas

3. Concept

Extract the
Concept.
1. Focus

2. Idea

aha!

Reversal
Escape
Wishful Thinking
Arising

14

volves breaking
out of established
patterns in order

3Current Thinking Checklist

look at things in a

Dominating Ideas; Assumptions; Boundaries;

Essential Factors; Avoidance Factors

different way.
Edward de Bono

Harvest
Specific
Ideas

PO

Top of the head; Positive aspects

Moment to moment; Focus on the difference
Extract a concept; Special circumstances

A lternatives
B ecause
C ut

Why?

Provocative Operation
PO police officers have six eyes.
PO + Movement = Ideas!

Creativity in-

Beginning
Ideas

3 Focus
3 Flavor

Shape and
Tailor

3 Changes
3 Concepts

Receivable
Ideas

3 Ideas
3 Approaches

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

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Testimonials
and Results

The de Bono Suite of

Productive Creativity and
Innovation Thinking Tools

By the end of this year we will have doubled our business since our creative thinking session with you, and we are 60% of the way
to the goal. Its almost time to raise the bar!
Dan Weare, National Business Manager
The results of the training are visible. We have received a large research project due in part to the creativity tools Lynda taught us.
Alex DAnci, Marketing Manager, ABB Finland
I have found there are 3 basic pillars supporting creativity and innovation: the Osborn/Parnes problem solving model, and the Six
Thinking Hats and Lateral Thinking tool kits. This is where you should start. Lynda Curtin is the right person to do this training.
Roland Boose, Nestle USA Prepared Foods Division
Results: If an opportunity doesnt knock, build a door. At DuPont lateral thinking tools led to an employees suggestion
that eliminated nine steps in the Kevlar manufacturing process. The savings$30.0 million.

If you havent heard

of Edward de Bono

Results: Three-day Power Session with Lynda Curtin. Develop ideas to grow the business. Increased revenue by $300 million. Used Lateral Thinking and Six Thinking Hats tools.

or Lateral Think-

Results: A division of a well-known Fortune 500 (a top 50 company) generated 44% of all patents filed worldwide: Lynda
Curtin trained this group to lead innovation meetings using Focus on Facilitation, Lateral Thinking and Six Thinking Hats
tools which helped with this accomplishment.

have been too busy

ing, perhaps you

thinking in conventional ways.
Forbes

15

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

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My Creative Hit-List

The de Bono Suite of

Productive Creativity and
Innovation Thinking Tools

As you prepare to attend your Lateral Thinking session, think about the creative challenges you need to work on.

What challenges would benefit from some Lateral Thinking application? Where do you need new ideas?

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16

Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

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Meet Lynda Curtin:

The Opportunity Thinker

The de Bono Suite of

Productive Creativity and
Innovation Thinking Tools

Lynda is a thriving senior leader in de Bono Thinking Systems, Inc. global network. A talented practitioner with over

35 years of real-world business challenges under her belt, clients love being able to tap her wealth of experience, and the
creative approach she brings to their events--always results oriented. Her clients have:
Increased revenue by $300 million.
Generated 44% of all the patents generated in a Fortune 50 company.
Reduced meeting time from 30 days to 2 days.

Background Highlights
Celebrated her 20th Anniversary as a Six Thinking Hats Master Trainer by hosting an exclusive Executive Deep
Dive in Los Angeles.
Shot her second hole-in-one on April 22, 2012. Shot her first hole-in-one on December 19, 2009.
Is one of only 12 de Bono Thinking Systems Master Trainers in the world qualified to lead the de Bono Suite of
Productive Creativity and Innovation Thinking Tools: Six Thinking Hats, Lateral Thinking, Focus on Facilitation.
Led the development and world-wide launch of Focus on Facilitation, the first workshop developed without Dr.de
Bonos direct involvement.
Top and bottom-line business experience--broke sales and profit records--delivered over $100 million in sales
while Product Manager, Major Appliances.
Real-world, practical business experience with product development, packaging design, merchandising,
advertising, marketing, market research, and forecasting.
Past President of the National Speakers Association Los Angeles Chapter, Lynda has great platform skills.

Lynda Curtin

Book Lynda to speak at your next event.

Call 818-507-6055
Email: info@LyndaCurtin.com
www.LyndaCurtin.com
The Opportunity Thinker is a thriving member of the de Bono Thinking Systems, Inc., global network.

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Lateral Thinking: The Tool Kit of Pattern Breaking Idea Generating Tools

www.LyndaCurtin.com