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.
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.
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
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
Absolutely lateral. Surprise!
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..
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.