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Out of the Box Thinking
February, 2003

Here are questions to ask to bring about "out of the box thinking".  Apply them to any personal or work issue.  These are in a general order and can be mixed and matched to create solutions.

  1. What is the problem?  Problem definition is the first step to finding a solution.  If you can't articulate the problem, you cannot come up with a solution.
  2. What are the conditions that create the problem?  Do an honest and realistic situation analysis that describes where you are in the present.
  3. Why are things (conditions) the way they are?  You are looking for cause and effect relationships.  If you understand the causes and effects you can create solutions.
  4. What is the vision of the way things ought to be?  What do you really want to achieve?  Work on this one until you have it right.  It is the key step from the problem to the solution.
  5. Is the vision realistic?  Winning the lottery is always an answer but not a real solution.
  6. How can we do something about the way things are?   Think beyond your current walls.  Borrow from what you have seen in other places or people.
  7. How do I become "change-centered"?  Learn to challenge the status quo, eliminate "not invented here" thinking, and embrace others' ideas as "possibilities awaiting the right time".  Becoming "change-centered" can be taught.
  8. Are we tolerating incompetence?  If the problem rests with incompetence, try training.  You may not be the best trainer.  Find a good trainer and train the heck out of the obstacle.  If training doesn't take then you may have to trade.  Find competence to replace incompetence.  
  9. How do I tap into abilities?   Find abilities and then use them.  Look outside of your normal circle for abilities not currently possessed.  Abilities may come in the form of friends, consultants, other companies or even unrealized potential in yourself.

These are merely tools to cause you to think out of box.  Living out of the box may be another issue.  Your ability to succeed is directly proportional to your ability to take action.  Action is a step in any direction that will produce a result.  Evaluate your result and then focus and redirect your action.  Continue the process and you have succeeded.

Frank


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