Many top business development professionals have a pound the phone... pound the pavement mentality.  These "hunters" produce great results because of a relentless will to achieve.  They often have a tunnel vision, just get it done attitude.  Though highly successful, these personality types typically aren't the most creative thinkers.  Chances are you know someone like this.  Here's your chance to take them to the next level! 

Edward de Bono coined the term "Lateral Thinking" to develop the idea of looking at situations from unpredictable angles.  He is a leading authority on creative thinking and teaches the concept of developing your thinking as a skill.

Another great thinker, Henry David Thoreau once said, "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." 

This week, I challenge you to open your mind to new ideas that will help you improve your performance!

Step 1:  Have fun with the mind puzzles listed below.

Step 2:  Do a web search on "lateral thinking techniques."  Select the techniques that interest you most and commit to implementing at least three of them in the weeks to come.

Mind Puzzles 

Three Switches and Three Bulbs

Three switches outside a windowless room are connected to three light bulbs inside the room.  How can you determine which switch is connected to which bulb if you may enter the room only once?

Nutty Problem

A man is replacing a wheel on his car, when he accidentally drops the four nuts used to hold the wheel on the car, and they fall into a deep drain, irretrievably lost.  A passing girl offers him a solution which enables him to drive home.  What is the solution?

*Both of these puzzles were taken from www.eluzions.com.  The answers can be found at the bottom of this article.  Do your best to create your own solutions before looking at the answers.