Beyond Messaging

Thinking Outside the Box

Sometimes I like being in the box.  The box gives me structure, a way to look at the situation, to codify my experience.

I am the kind of thinker who likes to compartmentalize things, compare them, and see patterns in their relationships.  I prefer to make decisions that make sense in relationship to best practices and standard operating procedure.  I like to make business choices that fit with an overall model.  When possible, I prefer accuracy, and simplicity.  Boxes can help provide that.

Of course the real world doesn't tend to fit into pre-defined boxes.  Sometimes we need to break out of the box.  Build a new box. Even go boxless.

But don't spurn the box out of hand.  Define and analyze your boxes and see if they are useful.  If not, break it open.  If it is, build upon it.

Recession's latest victim: U.S. innovation - Dec. 11, 2009

Patent filings fell in 2009 for the first time in 13 years, worrying Silicon Valley that it is losing its place as the leader in global innovation.

via money.cnn.com

This article hightlights the need for patent reform in the United States. A terrible combination of an antiquated patent system, increased litigation, and the economic downturn has all come together to stifle the ability for American Inginuity to thrive.

The patent system needs reform and the patent office needs proper funding for upgrades and staff. Small Businesses are large alike both need to be able to file legitimate patents and expect to have them granted in a timely manner.

In my opinion some of the problems in the world of patents have to do with those companies out there who are buying up stagnant patents and then throwing spurious lawsuits out to other companies that are making products and making money. "Patent warehouses" whose only revenue stream comes from patent litigation, are in my opinion a bit like parasites sucking money out of companies that are selling products and creating jobs.

Innovation, including patent registration and new inventions, is the lifeblood of the American way. It is our ticket to a better future. Innovation represents being able to do more with less, more efficiency, and a better standard of life. We need to be encouraging companies and individuals to apply for patents and market new innovations.

Your job is to make your boss look good

Seth Godin posits that the question "What do you want me to do?" is a danger, and that a great consultant will instead ask "here's what you might need..."

I always think of my mother's career advice which is that your job is to make your boss look good.  Expanding that, another part of your job is to make your bosses', customers', and fellow employees' jobs easier.    Sometimes that does mean just doing what they need you to do, even if you don't neccessarily think that it's the best way.  Teams work by consensus and you cannot be a leader at all times.  (Heck, if you are a System Administrator you are probably seldom a leader)

On this other hand, Seth has a good point.  We have positions based on technical skills, expertise, and talent.  Sometimes what the organization needs is not another "Yes, man" or woman, but a critical thinker who is not afraid to voice their opinion.  Especially when that opinion is based on the very expertise for which you were hired in the first place.  Employers also need to remember to foster critical thinking among their employees.

If your team's great ideas are being squashes, ignored, or otherwise discouraged, sooner or later your team members will stop telling you what they really think.  Is that what you want?