What does the phrase "thinking outside the box" mean to you? by Kareem

What does the phrase "thinking outside the box" mean to you? by Kareem - October 2018 Scholarship Essay

I often think of the phrase "thinking outside the box", and what it means to my peers. In fact, I have mentioned this on my LinkedIn resume for years.

I personally do not believe there is (or should be) a box to begin with. The term alone implies some sort of creative limitation. I do not believe many real problem solvers believe there is a box, rather just an obstacles, allowing them to be proactive and innovative.

To quote a CEO I worked for, "...ownership is never given - it's taken" - it resonates with me. Whatever position I am in, my goal is to take ownership, and make the role my own. When thinking there is a box, it is implied there are a set of rules or a script to follow. When you throw the script out the window, and allow yourself to take ownership, it becomes yours. You give it meaning.

Once ownership is taken, not only do I perform my expected tasks and responsibilities, I will look for ways to further create efficient workflows, allowing for more productivity; allowing more time for further innovation to empower those around me to perform their jobs more effectively.

If there was a box or a script that I believed in, more importantly - if I just colored within those lines, I would not be differentiated from the person next me.