Six Ways to Go Beyond Your Assumptions
If you want to innovate, the first thing you'll need to do is check your assumptions -- those arbitrary lines you've delicately drawn in the sand.
The so-called "box" people say they want to get out of? Nothing more than their collective assumptions -- and, Lordy, there have been many throughout history.
Some real whoppers.
Assumptions are your blind spot -- what you don't know you don't know -- what you don't see when you look in the mirror just before crashing into the car just about to pass you.
OK. Time is passing. What to do so you can undo?
SIX WAYS TO GO BEYOND YOUR LIMITING ASSUMPTIONS
1. Make a list of what you think they are.
2. Ask your friends, co-workers, and clients to add to your list.
3. Read these 30 examples, then note your own.
4. Brainstorm your biggest opportunity through the eyes of someone else.
5. Every time you see a FedEx logo, ask yourself: "What am I assuming about Project X?"
6. Turn your biggest assumption into a "How can I?" question, then brainstorm it with friends.
This is just a starter list. You got more? Let me hear from you.
Or, you can invite me in to your organization in order (or disorder) to shed a little non-refracted light on the topic.
Unless, of course, you're assuming I'm too expensive or any number of the other top hundred reasons why you think it can't happen.
Posted by Mitch Ditkoff at June 18, 2009 06:56 AM
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