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Thinking outside the box is a skill highly prized by all kinds of organizations. The phrase “think outside the box ” creates this vision of cutting edge thinking that leads to innovation. It’s a skill that provides real opportunities in both the Internal and External Dimensions. It’s a skill that can create enormous competitive advantage – personally and organizationally. It’s not for everyone – in fact – it’s a top ten percent skill, but the rewards for developing it can be tremendous – in many ways.

So what are External and Internal Dimensions of thinking outside the box?

The Internal Dimension deals with the questions like:

How can I look at the world differently?

How can I be more creative- in my work, in my play, in my relationships?

How can I come up with ways to do things better, quicker, cheaper, faster?

How can I shift my thinking so that I can be unique in providing perspectives, solutions, presentations?

How can I take my thinking to the “next level”?

The operative word in the internal dimension is “I”. It deals with internal self development – working within ourselves to acquire greater skill and capacity in out of the box thinking. It involves being able and willing to challenge our own personal comfort zones and our own behavior, attitudes and beliefs.

It starts with having the belief that you are worthy and able to develop this skill – or enhance its value

Then it requires the conviction that acquiring this skill has personal value.

Then it requires an inventory of how you see the the world around you, and how you view yourself.

Then it requires you to take action to change – challenge yourself to change a habit – to see things differently. It could be reading a different newspaper or a blog – one that expresses a different point of view than what you are used to. The opportunities are endless.

An example: My wife and I like to go to a movie – and then have dinner and discuss the things that we enjoyed, we found exciting, that we interpreted differently. We like to do this with another couple. The different perspectives from four people looking at the very same thing can be astonishing – and so valuable in challenging and changing and adding to our own ways of thinking.

As you take these kinds of actions, you are on your way to expanding your thinking – the critical step to thinking outside your box. – or of changing your own box – making it so much so much larger, or a different shape, or whatever other way you want to view your own progress.

While you are on this journey, keep reminding yourself that what you are doing is a process that at least ninety percent of the population either cannot or will not do – and be assured you are developing a rare skill – this Internal Dimension of thinking outside the box.

The External Dimension deals with questions like:

How can we access the thinking of other people to create new solutions and innovative ways of doing things?

What do others think about this problem/condition/issue?
Who can we call on to help address this issue?

What are the different ways we can involve the organization?

Why don’t we see what others have to contribute?

In the External Dimension the operative word is “We”. The operative behavior in the External Dimension is to look outside ourselves and think of the people resources of the organization – whatever that might mean -. as the source of outside the box thinking. And in doing that, collect their inputs – and have the sum of the parts exceed any one individual’s ability to produce a result.

The External Dimension can provide organizations their greatest opportunity for growth, innovation, and competitive advantage.

This Dimension relies on the belief that each person has a unique perspective to offer, and that the way to expanded thinking is through the shared thinking of people with insights and expertise gained from education, experience, motivation, and a host of other sources.

This is the Dimension where the Collective Genius of the group is accessed. Leaders at all levels respect and depend on the Collective Genius of the group – they know the result of out of the box thinking results in solutions greater than the sum of the parts. The payoff – more possibilities, better information, personal growth and success.

For the External Dimension to work, certain conditions must exist:

There must be trust and respect for all the members of the group, and for their inputs and contributions

An attitude that says “every idea has value” is crucial.

Freedom of expression in the group, and in the organization, must be encouraged.

There must be a structure so thoughts can be captured and developed.

Guidelines for participation are critical – structure can provide the freedom for even the most reluctant participant to express themselves

There must be patience and the realization that the group may produce a lot of marginal inputs on its way to breakthrough thinking.

The behavior of judging the inputs of others has to be set aside, as does the “we did that once but it didn’t work” attitude.

The upside of the External Dimension is that it can create more cost effective, innovative, creative solutions than any other single thing in an organization. And at no real added cost – in money or capital investment.

The downside is that many organizations simply aren’t willing to change their behaviors to meet the conditions listed above. For whatever the reasons, the “my way or the highway” attitude keeps Collective Genius from rising to the top. Ultimately, in that kind of environment, outside the box thinking is something you have to buy – if it’s available – and pay dearly for.

Start today to create your own Internal Dimension outside the box thinking – or expanding it. Take one belief that you have about people – and challenge it. And then answer these questions:

What if I changed that belief – what would I change it to?

What benefit could there be in doing that?

How will this change add to my personal value and ability to innovate and be resourceful?

The answers will help you break out of your thinking pattern and start that process of personal challenge. Do it today. Become a top ten percenter.

If you’re in an organization, ask your people if the conditions listed above for the External Dimension exist – you will be surprised at their answers. And then work to change behaviors and make outside the box thinking a habit in your work. Start today.

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Ihab Salloum