Q: I hate the term “think outside the box,” but unless we change our business processes we will not be competitive. How do I think outside the box?
A: I can appreciate your reaction to the term because the admonition to “think differently” seems to tell you what you are not doing instead of providing actionable direction. I have a strong feeling that you already think differently about some things, but you may be in a rut or a cultural conundrum about your day-to-day work. It’s easy to get trapped. To think outside of the box requires a change of perspective. Here are a few questions to help you see things differently:
- From the customer’s point of view, how does this process work? (For a real eye-opener, take this exercise seriously, and “map” the customer’s experience.)
- What is the context? How does the customer use this product/service?
- What are some ideas that have been raised and not adopted? Are the recommendations still appropriate?
- What is the elephant in the room?
To really get “out of the box,” become aware of the “box” that you are in. I know this sounds new age-y, but take a look at your habits, patterns, likes and dislikes, things you do and don’t do. OK—I admit almost no one follows this advice, so ask:
- What can I do that I haven’t done before?
- What interest/hobbies are on the backburner that I can pursue now? Learn to knit? Visit a museum? View a TedX talk on an unfamiliar topic?
- How can I shake up my routine?
- Am I changing my view by getting away from my desk for 90 minutes every day and walking around?
Finally, get inspired and, when you have an opportunity to choose, do something different.
From now on, I’ll connect the dots my own way.
— Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes
