Hosted by Paul McKie, Centre for Work Related Studies

Lateral Thinking is a process that enables everyone to uncover ideas and options that we normally wouldn't consider in our day to day roles and jobs. This is because our day roles and jobs require us to perform largely on the basis of our expertise and our experience. Lateral Thinking requires neither of these. In fact, as Paul will explain, they are often the things that get in the way.

Globally the process has proved extremely useful, and is credited with creating products and services ranging from the stand-up toothpaste tube, Pringles Crisps, and the Twix chocolate bar. It increased new quality ideas at ABN AMRO from 60 per year to 600. The Merchant Bank JP Morgan reduced some of its meeting times by over 60%.

Closer to home it is being used to tackle difficult issues the recent recession has thrust upon us, and to breathe life into previously discarded projects. It has for instance, enabled a Scottish county council to build over 180 new homes with what was previously considered 'no budget'. A similar workshop gained an 81% approval rating by an English council task force that combats anti-social behaviour.. .!

All you need to bring along to this workshop is an Open Mind.