Thinking in New Boxes
Luc De Brabandere and Alan Iny
19 min
7 Key Points
4.7 RateWhat's inside?
Explore innovative strategies and creative thinking techniques to revolutionize your business approach and unlock new opportunities for growth and success.
You'll learn
1. Five easy steps to boost creativity at work2. Break the mold: how to think differently3. Tricks to come up with fresh, innovative ideas4. The right way to handle and introduce change5. Why you should question everything and ditch assumptions6. Creating a workplace that loves creativity and innovation.Key points
01Why thinking outside the box matters?
Ever been stuck in a traffic jam, inching forward at a snail's pace, only to realize that a parallel road was free-flowing? That's what it's like when we're trapped in our own mental models or 'boxes'. We see the world through these boxes, much like we see the world through our glasses. They shape our perception, guide our decision-making, and often, limit our creativity. Take the case of Kodak, a story shared in "Thinking in New Boxes". Kodak, once a giant in the photography industry, stuck to its box of film photography even as the world was moving towards digital. The result? Kodak missed the digital revolution and filed for bankruptcy in 2012. This is a classic example of how sticking to our existing boxes can limit our ability to innovate and adapt to change. Now, what if Kodak had thought outside its box of film photography? Could it have become a leader in digital photography? The answer is a resounding 'yes'. By challenging our existing boxes and being open to new ideas, we can come up with innovative solutions and seize opportunities that we might otherwise miss. But changing our boxes is not easy. It's like navigating through a maze without a map. We have to deal with uncertainty, take risks, and step out of our comfort zone. It's a process that requires us to question our assumptions, explore different perspectives, and be willing to embrace new ideas. Yet, the rewards of embracing new boxes are immense. Consider the case of Apple, another example from the book. Apple didn't stick to its box of being a computer company. It thought outside the box and ventured into music, mobile phones, and other consumer electronics. Today, Apple is one of the most valuable companies in the world. So, why does thinking outside the box matter? Because it's the key to creativity, innovation, and growth. It allows us to see opportunities where others see obstacles, come up with innovative solutions to problems, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing world. So, let's challenge our boxes, embrace new ones, and unlock our full potential. After all, the world is full of parallel roads waiting to be discovered.
02A 5-step guide to innovative thinking
Ever found yourself stuck in a rut, unable to come up with fresh ideas or solutions? Well, you're not alone. Many businesses today find themselves trapped in the same old thinking patterns, unable to break free and innovate. But what if I told you there's a way to break free from this mental prison? A way to think in new boxes, as Luc De Brabandere and Alan Iny would say. The first step to innovative thinking is to doubt everything you think you know. Sounds scary, right? But it's necessary. We're often so entrenched in our beliefs and knowledge that we fail to see the possibilities beyond them. Take the case of Netflix, for instance. They dared to question the status quo of video rental business and pioneered the online streaming model. So, how do you start doubting? Start by questioning your assumptions. Ask yourself why you do things a certain way and if there's a better way to do it. Next, you need to explore different perspectives and ideas. The world is a vast place filled with diverse cultures, technologies, and industries. There's so much to learn from each of them. For instance, Airbnb looked beyond the traditional hotel industry and explored the idea of home-sharing. To broaden your perspective, you need to be curious. Read widely, engage with people from different backgrounds, and always be open to new ideas. Once you've gathered enough information, it's time to diverge by creating a new box. This means breaking away from traditional ways of thinking and coming up with a fresh approach. Apple did this when they created the iPhone. They didn't just improve on existing mobile phones; they created a whole new category of devices. To create your new box, you need to think creatively. Don't be afraid to combine different ideas or to think big. But creating a new box is not enough. You need to converge by selecting and refining your new box. This involves testing the feasibility of your new idea and making necessary adjustments. Amazon did this when they launched Amazon Prime. They didn't just launch it blindly; they tested it, refined it, and made it one of their most successful services. To refine your new box, you need to be critical. Test your idea, gather feedback, and be willing to make changes. Finally, you need to re-evaluate your new box regularly. The business environment is dynamic, and what works today may not work tomorrow. Google understands this well. They're constantly updating their algorithms to provide better search results. To keep your new box relevant, you need to be adaptable. Regularly review your strategies, keep up with industry trends, and be ready to make changes when necessary. In conclusion, innovative thinking is a five-step process: doubt, explore, diverge, converge, and re-evaluate. It's not easy, but it's necessary in today's fast-paced business environment. So, are you ready to think in new boxes?
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03How to use 'new boxes' for business innovation?
04Why resist change and how to overcome it?
05How Leadership Promotes New Thinking?
06Exploring the Future of New Thinking
07Conclusion
About Luc De Brabandere and Alan Iny
Luc De Brabandere is a fellow and a senior advisor at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), specializing in creativity, scenario building, and strategic vision. Alan Iny is the senior specialist for creativity and scenarios at BCG, providing expertise in innovation, scenario development, and strategic planning.