Diversity of Thought

I ran across two articles that speak to the importance of boundary crossing, the second just published today by The New York Times:

• Diversity of Thought:The Next Frontier
• Innovative Minds Don't Think Alike

Both articles emphasize how breakthroughs depend on resisting the temptation to surround ourselves with people who are like us. Homogeneity is the enemy of innovation.

The people who specifically don't fit the corporate culture are the ones who are likely to challenge the status quo, question outdated assumptions, and see the blinding obvious that the insiders have overlooked. The dumb question leads to smart insights.

Boundary Crossers are those individuals who not only ask the dumb questions but then go one step further to cross-pollinate.  The second article has a great example of a flashlight manufacturer getting a boost in sales when an employee with consumer packaging expertise but new to the flashlight industry suggested colors that appealed to women.

Is it my imagination or are there more and more examples of how boundary crossers are needed specifically because they don't fit? 

Comments

[Mitchell Ashley]

I have this philosophy about what makes smart people "smart".

We often think those around us are smart because they agree with us most of the time, making us feel "smart" and right about our thinking.

So next time you think someone is smart, stop and ask yourself if it's because they make you feel smart. If so, you're not surround yourself with the best and brightest - people smarter than you. People smarter than you should make you feel "dumb", a.k.a., they bring something significant to the table that you don't, creating a team with diverse skills.

Bottom line. Surround yourself with smarter people than you, not just smart people. Then you'll truly cross boundaries.

[Carol Ross]

Hi Mitchell,

Love that insight of smart vs. smarter. I get a thrill when someone tells me something that I didn't know and I think you do, too.

Ego serves a useful purpose of helping us survive in the world and sometimes, that's all it does. Rather than thrive.

Thanks for continuing the conversation.