ABSTRACT

This chapter introduces the notion of “reductionism” as a method of problemsolving. Then, the chapter explores a variety of “ways of thinking,” to include (1) breakthrough thinking, (2) lateral thinking, (3) design thinking, (4) disruptive thinking, (5) critical thinking, (6) barriers to thinking, (7) groupthink, (8) nullthink, (9) and fast and slow thinking. Other important topics include creativity, ideation, and innovation. Two enterprises that specialized in the latter are briefly examined, namely, Bell Labs and Synectics. What they did and how they did it are cited, giving the reader some insight into how real organizations, large and small, approach the matter of thinking and complex problemsolving.