Thinking Out of the Box

What does the phrase 'thinking out of the box means'? Simply put, it is the ability to solve a particular problem or to approach a particular problem from an angle never before considered. The solution could be simple, elegant and yet effective. A good example would be the various antics of Mr. Bean. Although many of his antics are created for laughter purposes but it illustrates the solution of problems from a perspective that is not normally considered.

In the working world, with the advent of info technology and innovation, the ability to 'think out of the box' is highly regarded in some industries. The same goes for EY. We always challenged the EYs to think out of the box. We encourage them to approach problems and come out with solutions that are, well 'out of the box'. We sometimes do get great results and sometimes we get some great "Mr. Bean's" solutions too.

Case in point, a group of EYs was asked to paint the benches outside the library recently. So the EYs with much gusto had finished the painting and were now tidying up all the paint utensils. One of the youth, let's call him/her AAA ask another youth, let's call him/her BBB to go get some old newspaper to clean up the paint brushes. BBB was to ask from Uncle Jimmy or Auntie Jo for the old newspapers. So our BBB went to the mission house and unfortunately could not find Uncle Jimmy or Auntie Jo. So what did BBB do? Displaying the 'thinking out of the box' concept, BBB went to look for newspaper. BBB took some money from AAA and went over to Salim and bought some newspaper. Figuring that they need quite a lot of paper, BBB bought two newspaper and thinking further that it just would not do to buy from only one publisher, BBB bought a copy of the Star and News Straits Times just to be safe. Cool, huh? Thinking out of the box in this problem of getting old newspaper, BBB bought two newspaper (which will be old the next day) using AAA money (hey, AAA asked BBB so AAA has got to pay, right?) So is this a cool 'out of the box' problem solver or a Mr. Bean wannabe…J? Any votes?

Katan