Are You A Linear or Lateral Thinker?

Last week on my blog we talked about differences in creative routines. Today I wanted to tell you about a couple different logic styles, and see which one you think you are.

Einstein

In my Hunt for Jack Reacher Series thrillers, FBI Special Agent Kim Otto is a lateral thinker, often at odds with the linear-thinking Carlos Gaspar.

As a lateral thinker, Kim Otto:

  • Thinks “outside the box” to solve problems
  • Uses reasoning that cannot be explained in a step-by-step analysis
  • Is willing to jump from idea to idea, taking a leap of faith that the ideas will find a way to connect themselves and will provide her with a solution
  • Looks at problems from unexpected perspectives (And no, I’m not only referring to the fact that Kim Otto is shorter than most everyone around her!)

As a linear thinker, Carlos Gaspar:

  • Prefers a systematic approach to working through problems
  • Loves setting specific goals and ordering them numerically, at least in his head if not on paper or verbally
  • Pursues a “speedy and well-marked” path to the destination
  • Follows the same method of thinking that is most popular among police detectives

Still not sure whether you’re a linear or lateral thinker? Here’s a quiz from The University of Kent that’s kind of fun. It will help you assess your lateral thinking skills.

So which one are you? A lateral thinker like Kim Otto or a linear thinker like Carlos Gaspar? Leave a comment and let me know, and keep in mind, there’s no “best” answer. The Hunt for Jack Reacher needs both types if they are to complete the job.

Meanwhile —

Caffeinate and Carry On!

Diane Capri

p.s. Are you a member of the Diane Capri’s Exclusive Reading Group mailing list? It’s FREE! Just CLICK HERE to sign up and refer your friends, too. You’ll be glad you did, I promise. Can’t wait to see you there!

 

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5 Responses to Are You A Linear or Lateral Thinker?

  1. Mike Morris June 11, 2015 at 12:58 pm #

    23. So I guess I am a lateral thinker. Not really surprised. I tend to follow the rule of “where there is a will, there is a way” in most that I do. If I can’t get in the front door…there is always the back door… or a window.

    Love this series, Diane! Been a Teacher fan since ‘Killing Floor’ and reliving his books through yours is an enticing treat!

    On a side note here… where do you live when in Michigan? I live just outside of Muskegon. Would love to meet with you some time! Over coffee and jelly doughnuts, of course! 🙂

    Stay happy! And write faster! Ha-ha

    Mike Morris

    • Mike Morris June 11, 2015 at 1:01 pm #

      23. So I guess I am a lateral thinker. Not really surprised. I tend to follow the rule of “where there is a will, there is a way” in most that I do. If I can’t get in the front door…there is always the back door… or a window.

      Love this series, Diane! Been a Reacher fan since ‘Killing Floor’ and reliving his books through yours is an enticing treat!

      On a side note here… where do you live when in Michigan? I live just outside of Muskegon. Would love to meet with you some time! Over coffee and jelly doughnuts, of course! 🙂

      Stay happy! And write faster! Ha-ha

      Mike Morris

  2. Linda June 11, 2015 at 1:47 pm #

    Absolutely lateral. Surprise!

  3. Bill Wright June 13, 2015 at 9:23 am #

    Diane…Ya gotta do something…there some issues here…

    Example–#23–The Which Room question..stated answer–dead tigers. My answer (Off the wall) Doesn’t matter–didn’t say any thing about ENTERING the chosen room…Just selecting one..

    Example–#11–The Woman in the Elevator…stated answer–short woman My answer–(juicy/racy) She is having a bit of a fling with a certain someone on the eighth floor..

    Example–#9–Dead guy–more fun to consider the issue of marrying a zombie…think about the ruckus raised with THAT issue. Makes same gender nuptials seem–never mind.

    Example–#7–Lady-persons’ birthdays–Here I was of two minds–don’t ask or all of them…

    Better we should create our own…after all…we are the creative sorts…

    Now..it is Saturday and I need more coffee…)

    Be well–
    Bill..

  4. doris June 14, 2015 at 11:08 pm #

    I thought I was a linear thinker, well I knew I was, until I took the test and only got 7 right. How wrong I was.

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