Thinking outside of the box is supposed to mean confronting problems in atypical ways, thinking creatively and freely, and encouraging frequent challenges to the status quo. Outside-the-box thinking , in other words is constructive nonconformity behavior. This is a behavior that deviated from organizational norms or common expectations, to the benefit of the organization.

Out of the box behavior is rarer than many think.

While the urge to get outside the box is strong there are people who are pushing people into conformity.

Here’s how we can nurture the ability to look at things differently and encourage constructive nonconformity:

1. Question the status quo regularly. Make nonconformity the expected conversation. Ask Why? How might we? And what if? Put apparent conflicting issues side by side and begin to solve for them.