Spotlight on Edward de Bono

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to present an interview with Edward de Bono who is widely regarded as the father of lateral thinking and a leading authority in the direct teaching of thinking as a skill, describing how his medical background inspired his understanding of the brain as a self‐organizing system, enabling him to design practical tools for thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses an interview to explain the development, application and impact of his ideas about thinking and creativity.

Findings

Discusses some cultural issues relating to uptake of his ideas, mentions his most recent book and emphasizes the difference between artistic and idea creativity.

Originality/value

Details some of the applications and resultant successes of his thinking skills work which has been introduced in companies and educational environments in many countries around the world. Discusses some cultural issues relating to uptake of his ideas, mentions his most recent book and emphasizes the difference between artistic and idea creativity.

Citation

Powell, S. (2007), "Spotlight on Edward de Bono", Management Decision, Vol. 45 No. 6, pp. 1058-1063. https://doi.org/10.1108/00251740710762080