We’ve all heard the phase “think outside of the box.” In fact there are many variations of that phrase and a multitude of business philosophies that relate to “the box.” You’ve got people telling you to step outside the box, people wanting you to work within the box, etc.
The way I see it, there are some advantages and disadvantages to ever methodology that relates to “the box”. But hey, there are advantages and disadvantages to almost anything right? Where I see a real problem when it comes to work style, creative thinking and building the best business possible is when you become the box or let “the box” dictate how you work.
(I know, the whole “box” thing is kind of silly, but I promise I think I’ve got a point here and this is a way to frame it.)
What’s the box?
I wonder. What do you think the box is?
To me the box is the known. It’s rules, prejudices guidelines and constraints.
It can be horribly stifling to define yourself by those rules, guidelines, prejudices and constraints that surround you. When you become the box you lock yourself into a way of thinking that doesn’t allow you to adapt at all.
Have you ever worked with someone who questions everything, or someone who sees everything though one very narrow point of view? What about someone who has to have everything around them defined for them? These kind of people have become the box, and it’s not a healthy way to work. For them, or for their coworkers. Especially when creativity is involved.
Forget the box.
My advice, when it comes to the box, is that you do your best to be flexible and adapt to, or transcend the box. Rules are there for a reason, but that doesn’t mean you need to either follow or break them all the time. Don’t let the rules define how you work—in either direction.
Don’t be the box. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. It’s there, when you’ve completely ignored the rules that govern your day-to-day work and life that you’ll do some of your best work.
Seems to me that questioning everything is an EXCELLENT way to not be the box. If I don’t question more than your average person then I won’t know what really constitutes the box and thus can’t successfully be / do something else.
I admit that excessive questions can be quite annoying but questioning everything is frequently a sign of a very creative, or at least open, mind and I think you’re making a false association between box people and people who question things.
I personaly like the people who ask questions, although I hate the ones that pop it out before even scratching their head about the matter in hand.
Come out of your bag. Now explain the bag ;)
Yes, the box is long-term cliched container - but it still has its relevance. Many of us have day-jobs which consist of a computer, desk-plant, and reams of paper to move around the office — all inside a box-shaped cubicle.
Thus, it is important to remind people to step outside the box they work/live/play/exist in, and remember there is a big wide world out there.
As an amaetur web-designer, I still have to remember this adage when I get home: The new office in the previously-2-car garage is a big box. Thankfuly though, it has all the comforts of home, plus the garage doors roll up into the roof to reveal great valley view. [<a href=”http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephenliveshere/tags/progress/” rel=”nofollow”>photographic proof</a>]
Very Nice Article indeed
What components definition includes a healthy way of life? Whether it is necessary to add in food of the additive? WBR LeoP