think out of the box to scale up the corporate ladder.

Out of the box thinking is essential in the corporate sphere to gain an edge over your peers

“People who refer to out-of-the-box see the box ... People who don't know the box even exists are the innovative thinkers.” ― Lisa Goldenberg

In today’s highly competitive corporate race, you may have to enhance your efforts to survive and climb up the corporate ladder. Out-of-the-box thinking is absolutely necessary to obtain an edge over your colleagues and associates at work. While everyone today seems to be talking about ‘thinking out of the box’, what does this really mean?It does not essentially mean coming up with the most unique and ‘out of this world’ideas, but more about working up innovative solutions that may not appear conventional or logical at first but are effective when adopted. So how can you move beyond the routine approach and train yourself to think radically? Here are a few tips:

• Approach the problem with a different perspective: You must try looking at any situation from a slightly different perspective in order to solve a problem or an issue that may seem impossible. Not going the conventional way and approaching the situation in a new light can help you reach a workable solution.
  
  
• Practical thinking does not work at all times: Practical thinking will not only hinder your imagination and creativity but may also keep you away from coming up with that sparkling idea that no one ever thought of. After all it was all those impractical ideas that gave the world the greatest innovations, right from the airplane to the internet.
  
  
• Look at the situation as a third party: Distancing yourself from the situation at hand for a while will give you an opportunity to think differently. Look at the problem from a third person’s point of view and you may be surprised by the solutions and ideas you will find.
  
  
• It’s alright to fail at being creative: Creativity is not everyone’s forte. Remember that it’s perfectly alright if you fail to conceive a creative solution or idea. Constant efforts to think out of the box will eventually help you master the art as you train your mind to think in unconventional ways.
  
  
  Therefore take risks, don’t be afraid of the repercussions of your mistakes, and have an open mind to failures. Although many people believe creativity is an inborn trait, this may not really hold true. Creativity can be developed by nurturing and expressing your thoughts in different ways. Break the norm if you want to get your creative forces into play at the workplace.