#ThinkOutsideTheBox #JobParameters #jobs #employers #employees
Think outside the box.
Have you ever been encouraged to do that at, say, your work?
Did you then ask yourself: do they really want me to think outside the box?
Most employees are in a box called their job. Certain duties are prescribed within that box.
Your boss(es), in most cases, want you to stay within that box. If you go rogue, and do something outside that box, you may get punished.
As an employee, your goal may be to do the best job you can within your box, with the hope that you may be elevated to a different position that may allow more flexibility to think outside the box.
Of course, upper management wants managers to think outside the box and look for efficiencies or better ways to accomplish tasks that could add to the bottom line.
But as a low-level employee, in most companies, you are given a box (parameters) and not allowed in most cases to stray from it (them).
As employers, what do you think your company could be if everyone at every level were allowed to think outside the box?
Might you find a hidden gem of an employee deep in your organization? Does your business model allow for everyone to think outside the box? Do you and your managers have a monopoly on finding better ways to do the necessary tasks?
Some organizations certainly have a culture that allows creative thinking at all levels. Technology companies HAVE to have that to find the best ideas.
But those companies that make widgets, or simple things, might feel the need to put everyone who works there in a box for greater efficiency and attention to detail. If the employees are unionized, the contract may prescribe the box for each employee.
As an employee, you are astute to think about it when someone, say, your boss, encourages you to think outside the box.
Does he (she) really want me to do that? Does he (she) really want me to suggest better ways he (she) can better do his (her) job? Will those different ways be better for him (her) or me?
Certainly, if unsure about what the boss meant, it’s best to go about doing your job, within your box, to the best of your ability.
But, if you see a safe opportunity to offer a new idea, or to try something new that could be better, by all means go for it.
You may be surprised indeed at the reception you get, particularly if you feel your company’s culture would allow for it.
In summary, be wary when someone tells you to think outside the box at work. It could be a setup or ambush. Most companies have a competitive culture, in which managers are always looking over their shoulders. The words may sound encouraging, but try not to be fooled.
But, if employers really want their staffs to think outside the box, make sure the culture is clear and well established so that employees can feel safe doing so.
You may be surprised at the results you, and your employees, can achieve.
Peter
Tag Archives: think outside the box
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX: IS IT ALLOWED?
#Thinkoutsidethebox #Breakingdownbarriers #breakingdownwalls #humanresources
Think outside the box.
Many have gone to job-related meetings and seminars in which they were encouraged to think outside the box.
Others have gone through job interviews in which the interviewer may have said something like: I’m looking for a candidate that’s going to break through that wall and show me he or she is transformational.
These rather bold concepts have been normalized in the human resources/ employment world.
But here’s the rub: After being motivated to think outside of boxes and break down walls, one may go back to his or her job and actually be DISCOURAGED from doing those things. Perhaps, he or she would even be PROHIBITED from doing those things.
You see, employers have boxes and walls for a reason – to keep employees in line and to pigeon-hole employees into categories. After all, there are products to be made, quotas to be met, operations to preserve and, of course, executives to be protected.
Very few employers want a whole staff of out-of-the-box thinkers and wall breakers.
In fairness, this does not describe EVERY employer. There are some companies that not only encourage, but also reward, such rebels. These are the companies usually voted among the best places to work among employees.
But, as we all know, not everyone can work for such a company. In fact, not every company can become such a company because, in certain industries, certain rules have to be followed. Certain ways of doing things have proved to be optimal over time, in some industries.
So, where does that leave the out-of-the-box thinker and wall breaker who happens to work in one of these confining industries?
There is good news here. There are several programs out there through which, by devoting a couple, non-work hours a week to start, can allow you to earn extra income without being confined, pigeon-holed or otherwise trapped. Full disclosure: some of these programs have routines and systems to follow that have proved successful for many others doing the same thing.
But, you have to think outside the box to check them out. To learn about one of the best such programs, message me.
Certainly, the boxes at work of which you need to think outside are made of steel – welded shut. They are tough to escape. If being in such a box is treating you well, by all means stay in it.
If it is not, then you may have to look at other ways out.
At the same time, if you work for a company that values and rewards outside thinking and wall-breaking, take full advantage of that.
What you do may not necessarily be your entire self, but it may be part of you.
What you do may not satisfy all your needs and wants, but it may be a step toward getting what you need and want.
What you do may not be a part of your dreams, but it can give you a jumping-off point that will get you toward your dreams.
In summary, thinking outside the box and breaking down walls may not be part of your JOB – but it may be part of you. It may be time to find an outlet that will allow more of you to shine and get you closer to the kind of life you envision.
Peter