AI is brilliant at going deep. It can process vast amounts of information, analyze it precisely, and offer sharper insights faster than most humans ever could. This is vertical thinking at its best.
But what today’s systems cannot do is AI lateral thinking. It means reframing problems, making intuitive leaps, and questioning assumptions. Unlike vertical thinking, which AI excels at, lateral thinking is uniquely human and essential in leadership.
Vertical Thinking: AI’s Superpower
AI is designed for vertical thinking. It goes deeper, clearer, and more precise with every dataset it processes. It helps us explore details, uncover patterns, and refine analysis with speed and accuracy. For creativity and editing, it can be a powerful tool that accelerates progress.
Why Lateral Problem Solving Matters for Leaders
Where AI falls short is lateral problem solving. It requires stepping back, reframing the issue, and questioning assumptions. It means asking penetrating questions, making intuitive leaps, and sometimes realizing the box itself is the wrong one to be working in.
These moves are essential in leadership. They are how strategy shifts, breakthroughs happen, and teams change direction when the path ahead no longer makes sense.
Leadership Responsibility in the Age of AI
I’ll admit, I’ve caught myself leaning on AI for speed and clarity, forgetting to slow down and reframe. But leadership is not just about moving faster with more precision. It is about knowing when to pause, ask different questions, and change the direction of the team.
Leaders must complement AI’s vertical power with AI lateral thinking. That balance is where the best decisions come from.
Frequently Asked Questions about AI Lateral Thinking
What is AI lateral thinking?
It refers to the ability to reframe problems, take intuitive leaps, and challenge assumptions. These are uniquely human skills and not functions current AI models can perform.
Can AI do lateral thinking?
No. AI excels at vertical thinking, which means going deeper, clearer, and more precise. But it cannot reframe the problem or recognize when the box itself is wrong. That is why leaders must bring AI lateral thinking into the process.
Why is it important for leaders?
Leaders must slow down, ask penetrating questions, and change direction when needed. Combining AI’s vertical analysis with human intuition creates stronger decision making.
About the Author
Michael Quoia is Co-Founder and Partner of KSE Leadership, a boutique advisory firm that helps CEOs and executive teams accelerate impact through leadership assessment, succession planning, and team effectiveness. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Stanford GSB, Michael has served as a partner at McKinsey and Heidrick & Struggles Leadership Consulting. Today he works with startups, scale-ups, and global enterprises to help leaders strengthen decision making and adapt to the AI revolution.ps, and global enterprises to help leaders strengthen decision making and adapt to the AI revolution.
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