“Thinking outside the box”
One of the more annoying phrases used in business, and a personal irratant for me. Jack Lail describes how the process usually progresses at a newspaper:
Some suggest a meeting. Others say do market research and analysis. Still others suggest a focus group. And before proceeding, we must review the potential impact on anything and everything else. After a near-endless series of meetings, task forces and planning scenarios, the thought of stretching passes and life continues apace in the box.
That pretty much sums up the way I’ve seen it work everywhere I’ve been, small companies excluded. As far as my personal opinion of outside the box thinking goes (at least at my current job), I’ll be happy when I see some thinking inside the box.
Anyone who is truly thinking outside the box doesn’t even realize the box exists.
