"Thinking outside the box" is no longer the progressive management philosophy.....as it is still perusing the old think box as the base, and thus not much change can be achieved. The pertinent philosophy of the current management era is....."create new think boxes". 

Most managers, including senior ones, are confined to their static mindset - because of exposure to prevailing procedures, processes and established ground rules - when handling work issues. Moreover, some organisations do not grant much leeway to their management employees for exercising innovative alternatives to achieve coveted results. 

The attainment of quantum leaps requires innovative approaches to viewing issues and conceptualising potential outcomes. 

One synergy advocate group promulgates assertively: "We don't call it thinking outside the box anymore. We call it brainstorming without borders. Nevertheless, new concepts necessitate to be tested via execution for fruition to materialise. In other words, a new concept relates to creativity that awaits innovative execution. 

I picked up the following adage from a mentor of mine when I was attached to an international life insurance corporation: "If you execute your assignments in the same way continuously without change but expect different and vibrant results, that is insanity!" I gave my thumbs up to that statement. 

To create new think boxes, one may practise the 5 structured steps as follows:

* Review and challenge the current assumptions regarding whether these are still valid in the current era and environment. 

* Gather latest information/data from various sources. Analyse the details.

* Generate plausible ideas for consideration of implementation. 

* Select the applicable options for execution. 

* Periodic review of the progress at different stages of time. 

Now, I share a few jokes on innovative mindsets (in humorous vein).......

# Kindergarten teacher writes on the board: 3+7 =? She tells a six-year-old kid, known for his agility, to give his answer. 

Boy: "It is 37."

Teacher: Why "37, and not 10"?

Boy: "To me, the plus sign means putting the two digits next to each other. Side by side, they appear as 37. If you were in the corporate world, they would pay you big bucks for thinking innovatively."

# A corporate officer holds the key role as marketing strategist. Daily, after his lunch hour, he is seen reclining on his executive cushion chair, puts his legs on his front table, rest his head against the back support of his chair, and closes his eyes for at least 1 hour. 

A newly joined colleague walks past him together with another (senior) colleague. 

New colleague asks: "Is napping allowed in this organisation?"

Senior Colleague answers: "That is not napping to him. He says he always meditates with his eyes closed after lunch as he gets his best new strategic marketing ideas this way." 😄😆