If the training and application of Edward de Bono's Lateral Thinking Strategy and Six Thinking Hats were adopted by corporate America, countless hours of “paralysis by analysis” could be eliminated. The groans are palpable when yet another meeting request arrives daily in the Outlook inboxes of mid-level managers. And, if participants are constantly encouraged to “think outside the box,” this is done without really giving them the cerebral tools to do so. Simply providing today's working intellectuals with just one “thinking hat” – defined – would be helpful, but arming them with all six and how to apply them would work wonders. De Bono proposes this based on how the mind works; we are programmed to be uncreative and cautious. Therefore, formal tools and training are necessary to break out of our limited thinking patterns and methods. Lateral thinking is his solution. Lateral thinking deliberately uses specific steps and techniques to think creatively. Instead of linear or vertical thinking, which relies solely on logic, lateral thinking is a deliberate and systematic process of using cognitive ability to think differently. He believes that these proven methods enable insight, creativity and innovation and that by using them he suggests that everyone can gain at least a basic level and master how to be more creative. Lateral thinking offers the power to create ideas on demand (de Bono, 2007a). De Bono developed his concept of the six thinking hats to provide an illustration of the different means of thinking used by individuals in the problem-solving process. Each hat represents a commonly used “mode” of thinking. The intention is to provide some definition......in the middle of the document......ng is not enough. Educational Leadership, 42(1), 16.De Bono, E. (2006, July 8a). Business Thinking Methods: Learn to think using formal methods and training. Retrieved November 14, 2007 from http://www.thinkingmanagers.com/management/business-thinking-methods.phpDe Bono, E. (July 8b, 2006). Business Challenges: Take on one of the biggest challenges in business and confront the sacred cows of accepted practices. Retrieved November 14, 2007 from http://www.thinkingmanagers.com/management/challenges.phpDe Bon, E. (2007a). Lateral thinking. Retrieved November 14, 2007 from http://www.debonogroup.com/lateralthinking.htm. De Bono, E. (2007b). Six thinking hats. Retrieved November 14, 2007 from http://www.debonogroup.com/6hats.htmQuantrill, M. (1989). A theory of Emmenthal cheese. Journal of Architectural Education (1984-), 43(1), 58-60.