Are You Inside the Box (With the Lid Closed)?
Somewhere in the early 1990’s I remember as part of my corporate career, an emphasis toward thinking that would stretch established norms in the business world. It was referred to as “out of the box thinking.” While the phrase is still used some 25 years later, and while some would debate whether the world of corporate really does do things “outside the box,” the phrase came to me recently as I thought about the different clients with whom I work.
Some are truly interested in exploring what is “outside of the box.” Those clients quickly gravitate to the mindset that they have skills which may be transferable from one industry to another. Or, they are open to moving from one size business model, to another in their determination of what is next for them. Still others consider starting their own businesses, with their own ideas of the services they will offer and the customers they will serve.
Other clients come to me with some part of them “inside the box.” They do have the lid on the box open, but they are hesitant about exploring different options. However, with some guidance and structure, and step by step leading, they are willing to learn of opportunities that they may have never considered when they started to work with me. Along the way they’ll share with me that they never thought of doing what they ultimately decided to pursue, but the choice has made them happy, and they are glad they explored new opportunities.
And, then there are the clients or individuals that I meet that I would not only define as being “INSIDE THE BOX” but one might as well say they are Inside the Box with the Lid Closed. Such individuals will be completely resistant to suggestion. They will explain that they must do it their way for whatever reason they feel is appropriate. When what they are seeking still exists, particularly exists in abundance, then they may have an opportunity to do things as they wish. However, the challenge is that often what they may want to do, is requested less and less, or is done a completely different way than they are trained to perform it. That only leads to frustration and despair when very few seek their talents and services.
I must admit, that in some aspects of my life I am in the box with the lid closed. I will never have a pet, mainly due to having a fear of animals, and frankly the desire of not caring for a pet. I don’t ever see myself skydiving or skiing anytime in the future. There are admittedly items which I have completely turned off to in my life. And, I am OK with that. I have no desire to pursue them. And, if indeed you have “gotten into the box and closed the lid” on items in your life and frankly have no feeling for them, more power to you.
However, if you are looking to pursue something in your life, (a new type of work, a new place to live, a new hobby, etc.), you really have only a few choices. You can adapt your approach to getting it, by understanding existing models, and modifying your behavior to the wants and needs to those who can provide it to you. Or you can create your own model anew, and ensure that which you have done not only meets your needs, but those whom you are looking to serve. (Under such an approach, many new business models have been developed).
So, as a New Year begins, and you begin to determine how you may want to spend it, take a step and examine your thinking. Am I open to new suggestions and approaches? Am I open to them but somewhat cautious? Am I able to put together a step by step plan to get closer to where I want to be? Or am I stuck inside the box, with the lid closed. If I am inside that box am I OK with that decision, or is it eating away at me? And, if is eating away at you, how are you going to go about coming out of the box, out into the open and moving forward to obtain it?
