If the training and application of Edward de Bono's lateral thinking and six thinking hats strategy were adopted by American companies, countless hours of “analysis paralysis” could be eliminated. The complaints are palpable as each day another meeting request arrives in the Outlook inboxes of mid-level managers. And, while participants are continually extolled to “think outside the box,” they do so without actually giving them the brain tools to do so. Even just providing intellectuals working today with a – defined – “thinking hat” would be helpful, but arming them with all six and how to apply them would work wonders. De Bono offers this based on the way the mind works; we are programmed to be uncreative and cautious. Therefore, formal tools and training are needed 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 that uses cognitive ability to think differently. He believes that these proven methods foster intuition, creativity, and innovation, and by using them, he suggests that everyone can learn at least a basic level and skill of how to be more creative. Lateral thinking provides the power to create ideas on demand (de Bono, 2007a). De Bono developed his concept of the six thinking hats in order to provide an illustration of the various means of thinking used by individuals within the problem-solving process. Each hat represents a commonly used "mode" of thinking. The intent is to provide some definition... half the paper... ng is not enough. Educational Leadership, 42(1), 16.De Bono, E. (2006, July 8a). Business Thinking Methods: Learn the skill of thinking with the help of formal methods and training. Retrieved November 14, 2007, from http://www.thinkingmanagers.com/management/business-thinking-methods.phpDe Bono, E. (2006, July 8b). Challenges in Business: Take on one of the biggest challenges in business and tackle the sacred cows of accepted practice. 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.