I’ve used the phrase “Think Outside the Box” countless times, but I recently discovered its fascinating origin: the famous Nine-Dot Puzzle. That simple puzzle, which many of us might recognize, perfectly illustrates why we often get stuck when facing challenges—we unknowingly impose limits on ourselves.
The phrase has immense application when we’re in a situation where conventional thinking just won’t cut it. It’s about more than just breaking rules; it’s about creatively reimagining the problem itself. As Edward de Bono wisely put it: “Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.”
But How Do We Actually Do It?
This raises some big questions: How often do we truly think outside the box? Are we genuinely successful at approaching problems differently? And, perhaps most importantly, do we even know how to cultivate this critical skill?
One powerful and surprisingly fun technique is Random Word Association. It’s incredibly simple yet highly effective for nudging your mind into unconventional thought patterns.
Here’s how it works:
State your problem clearly: Write it down in one concise sentence.
Pick a random word: Grab one from anywhere—a book, a dictionary, or even a random word generator online.
Force connections: Now, the fun part! Try to connect this random word to your problem in any way imaginable. Write down these associations, no matter how ridiculous they seem at first.
For instance, if your problem is “The project cannot meet its critical deadline” and your random word is “salt,” you might write:
“Salt makes the food delicious” – How can the project be made more “delicious” or appealing?
“Salt raises the need for water” – What hidden “thirsts” or underlying needs does the project have that we’re not addressing?
“More salt is not beneficial for the body” – Where might “too much” of something in our project be counterproductive?
Yes, these connections sound absurd, and that’s precisely the point! This is where your mind breaks free from its usual tracks, forcing it to make new, unexpected connections. From these seemingly odd statements, you can often “harvest” a surprising new idea or a fresh perspective that sparks a genuine breakthrough.
I’ve tried this method myself, and it works! It’s a practical and enjoyable way to intentionally practice thinking differently.
I encourage you to give Random Word Association a try next time you’re feeling stuck. What unexpected insights might you uncover?
Every inefficiency leaves a clue. I find what’s slowing your team down, and help you fix it for good. 