“Think Outside The Box”

“It’s time to think outside the computational box” is an (abstract) article published in communications of ACM, November 2007, on how can a computer “compute” the “uncomputable”.
PHEW!!!
No points for guessing, I could not comprehend the essence of the theory discussed except for the phrase “THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX”(I could connect better with taco bell’s punch line think outside the bun).

So, I decided to write a short blog on this phrase and how important is it to implement it as aspiring entrepreneur. It is also an extension of Dr. Raghavan’s blog on “Inspiration for Ideas”

I realized this phrase is commonly used in business and corporate sectors to pursue employees to do “better than their best”.

• What is implied by thinking outside the BOX?
• How to think outside the BOX?
• How does it help?

To begin with let us understand “What is thinking INSIDE the Box?”
In 1899 Charles H. Duell, Director of the US Patent Office, said, "Everything that can be invented has been invented”.

If you see, in today’s perspective this statement was clearly short sighted. There have been numerous inventions, discoveries since 1899. This is a small example of thinking inside the box or not being a visionary or being myopic and conventional and extremely mundane.

Thinking outside THIS box, therefore can be described as to leave the safe route and be different, not to be a myopic and be adventurous. Thinking outside the box or taking an unpredictable step is essential requirement for becoming a good entrepreneur and grow into a Tycoon.

How to think outside the box? Ed Bernacki, in his article gives the following essentials attributes for being ‘able’ to think outside the bun:

• Willingness to take new perspectives to day-to-day work, to challenge the
assumptions. It is extremely important to be able to identify the
ASSUMPTION.
• Openness to do different things and to do things differently.
• Focusing on the value of finding new ideas and acting on them.
• Striving to create value in new ways.
• Listening to others.
• Supporting and respecting others when they come up with new ideas.

How does it help?
When Charles H. Duell said everything already been invented, he was true for today. People have seen it all, used it all and there is everything that they need within their reach. So, why should they be interested in something you are trying to sell?
There you need the knack to move, intrigue and convince audiences who may become your loyal customers.
Just make sure “ITS DIFFERENT!!!!”

Michael Michalko - more inspiring examples to think differently