Thinking outside of the box is a common phrase used in business and often used to describe an individual or group of people thinking creatively to solve a problem or issue. In this post, we discuss the importance of this and exactly when standard processes and protocols should be challenged in the workplace.
Where did âthinking outside the boxâ originate?
The concept of âthinking outside the boxâ has been around since the 1970s when psychologist, J. P Guildford conducted a study. This consisted of 9 dots arranged in a square, and participants had to connect all the dots with only 4 straight lines. The only way to complete the puzzle was by drawing the lines starting from outside the box. Therefore, they had to think âoutside of the boxâ of dots, and thus the term was coined. Since then, the term âthinking outside the boxâ has become a popular business phrase used for innovative thinking and challenging standard procedures and processes.
Why do we have processes and when should they be adhered to?
In every company, you will have processes and procedures. These are important to ensure employees conduct each task properly and to the right specifications.
Processes tell us when something should be done, why and how it should be carried out. It is a way to ensure consistency across the board as well as retaining a high level of quality. In general, processes should be adhered to by all employees. These are implemented for a reason and are designed to keep employees safe, as well as maintaining consistent productivity levels.
If these processes are working effectively, with no issues, then there is no need to change or challenge this.
However, there are times when processes should be challenged, and outside the box, thinking should be implemented to help find a solution.
When should we break process and think outside the box?
âWhen the process or system becomes more important than what it was designed to achieveâŠ. itâs time to challenge the processâ
If you find yourself clinging to that process or procedure more than the outcome or purpose of the process, it is time to get innovative and question the process.
With technology continually evolving and new additions to your company who may come with different skills, there often comes a time when processes currently in place are not the most efficient way of working.
There are several signs when processes should be challenged, and innovation prevail. Some of these signs include:
- Current processes are old and havenât been reviewed for a significant amount of time
- Staff members have been suggesting there are better ways to complete the same task
- The processes are manual and time consuming â in the age of automation, many tasks can be automated to some degree now
- You arenât receiving the same desired outcome as you used to gain, or the outcome is not up to your standard
- The process has become more important than the finished outcome
- The tools/programmes/processes you are using have more drawbacks than benefits
How can we think outside the box and break free of processes?
âThe process is there to help us succeed, and we need them, but when they are not achieving the desired outcome, we need to be wise enough to challenge or adapt itâ â Kevin Johnson, CEO of OnTrack
It is easy to remain within your comfort zone of using the same process year in year out and not challenging them, in fact we realised that as human beings, this is our default setting. The Max Planck Institute for Human Development discovered that the anatomical structure of the brain has a default or auto-pilot mode. This part of the brain is responsible for inward-focused thinking and is why it can be more challenging to think outside of the box. However, when we roam outside of our auto-pilot mode there is the possibility that we will significantly improve the business as well as save money, time, and resources. Â
To break free of processes you need to question the status quo, challenge current ideas, and collaborate with others to encourage innovation throughout the company.
The more brains working on this, the more creativity you will have to work with. So, make sure you involve your team. Not only will this help them feel more appreciated and respected, but it will give you an opportunity to discover new skills you may not know you have in the business.
Forget what you think you know
When challenging a process, donât think about the current ones in place. Think about the outcome. What does the process need to achieve?
If you focus on the goal rather than the process, you may find yourself and others coming up with more direct solutions. By âforgetting what you already knowâ you can come up with new ideas of how to reach that desired outcome without focussing on your current process which may not be as effective.
