With deliberate practice embedded in our approach, we create a disciplined yet purposeful pathway to progress. In the next principle, we’ll explore the importance of lateral thinking—encouraging creative problem-solving that complements and enhances structured practice.

Principle 6: Embrace Lateral Thinking

When we approach challenges from unexpected angles, we open doors to creative solutions that might otherwise remain hidden. Lateral thinking—introduced by Edward de Bono—is a structured approach to thinking creatively and breaking out of habitual patterns. As coaches, encouraging lateral thinking helps clients see beyond rigid, linear approaches, fostering adaptability and innovation in their training. This principle invites both coaches and clients to shift perspective, seeing each challenge as an opportunity for creative problem-solving.

Unlike traditional, vertical thinking, which follows a step-by-step approach toward a solution, lateral thinking intentionally “jumps out” of the standard path, seeking unexpected connections and fresh ideas. This method is invaluable in coaching, where stagnation or repetitive routines can dampen motivation and limit growth. By encouraging clients to embrace alternative ways of thinking, we introduce variety, engagement, and adaptability into their training journey.

NLP’s chunking theory provides an ideal complement to lateral thinking by showing us how to adjust our perspective through chunking up (looking at the big picture), chunking down (focusing on specific details), and chunking sideways (finding alternative approaches). When clients become skilled at “chunking,” they gain a flexible mindset that allows them to adapt readily to changes or setbacks. Chunking also supports de Bono’s emphasis on breaking away from linear thought processes, expanding the ways clients approach each aspect of their development.

Integral Theory’s Four Quadrants further emphasises the impact of lateral thinking across different aspects of experience:

Individual Interior (Subjective): Internally, lateral thinking builds mental flexibility and a willingness to explore beyond personal assumptions.
Individual Exterior (Behavioural): Outwardly, it encourages diverse actions and creative problem-solving approaches that keep training fresh and engaging.
Collective Interior (Cultural): Culturally, lateral thinking promotes an atmosphere of openness and collaboration, where new ideas are welcomed and valued.
Collective Exterior (Systems): Structurally, lateral thinking supports adaptable processes, encouraging practices that evolve in response to changing conditions and new insights.

By grounding lateral thinking in the practice of coaching, we guide clients to experiment with different solutions, recognise multiple paths to their goals, and avoid getting “stuck” in their routines. When clients experience the freedom of choice, they become more resilient, resourceful, and motivated to engage with their training.

Practitioner’s Insight: The Reframe Game

This “Practitioner’s Insight,” called The Reframe Game, is designed to help clients apply lateral thinking to their training and daily challenges through a practical, step-by-step exercise.

Practice: The Reframe Game

Lateral thinking involves shifting perspective and seeing possibilities where there once seemed to be only limitations. Here’s a practical exercise to introduce lateral thinking and encourage clients to view their challenges from different angles.

Identify a Challenge: Start by inviting clients to identify a specific challenge in their training. This might be an area where they feel stuck or frustrated, such as struggling with endurance, finding motivation, or improving a particular skill.
Chunk Up: Ask clients to “chunk up” by broadening their perspective. For example, if a client is struggling with endurance, encourage them to think about their ultimate goals, like overall health or increasing daily energy levels. This approach helps them see the bigger purpose and renews their motivation.
Chunk Down: Next, ask clients to “chunk down” by focusing on specific, actionable steps that can help address the challenge. For example, they might identify smaller endurance-building exercises, like interval training, or track progress with manageable goals. This step helps them break the challenge into manageable pieces.
Chunk Sideways: Finally, encourage clients to “chunk sideways” by finding alternative strategies. If traditional endurance training isn’t inspiring, suggest cross-training or integrating new activities, like swimming or hiking, that challenge their endurance differently. This step opens up options that might not initially seem obvious.
Reframe the Challenge: As a final step, invite clients to reframe the original challenge by applying their insights. They might say, “Instead of seeing endurance as my weakness, I can see it as an area for creative improvement,” or, “This challenge is a chance to explore new methods I hadn’t considered.”

The Reframe Game not only helps clients think laterally but also strengthens their ability to adapt and innovate in the face of challenges. By shifting their focus through chunking, they develop a flexible mindset that embraces variety and creativity, allowing them to navigate obstacles with greater ease.

Principle 6: Embrace Lateral Thinking

Practitioner’s Insight: The Reframe Game

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