This translation of a successful German book (over 40,000 copies sold) manages to both delight and annoy. It is packed full of useful thoughts and ideas that will force readers to think twice about their organisation. That, of course, is the point of lateral thinking.

The annoyance comes from the hectoring tone adopted throughout the book. Perhaps it's something that's been added or lost in translation, but the forceful style is leavened with the sort of relaxed delivery used by college professors more concerned with being liked than with teaching. And they are about as irritating.

The other downside for a book that should pride itself on original thinking is a reliance on a few well-thumbed case studies. Yes, Amazon and Apple have done amazing things and transformed sectors. But do we need to keep hearing about them over and again?

These minor gripes should not detract from the content, which will make readers look afresh at their approach to business and ask the vital question of how ready they are for whatever might happen next in their market.