PhrasesHub

Out of the box thinking

    Definitions

      • creative problem-solving
        Encouragement to think of unconventional or unique solutions to a problem or situation that may not be immediately obvious or considered by others

      • unconventional or innovative ideas
        Referring to ideas or strategies that are unconventional or outside of traditional or mainstream thinking, often with the intention of standing out or being different from others in a particular field or industry

    Examples of Out of the box thinking

    • The marketing team came up with some out-of-the-box ideas for the new product launch.

      This idiom is used to describe creative and innovative thinking that goes beyond the usual or traditional approaches. It implies that the ideas are unexpected and unconventional, as if they have been generated outside of the usual or traditional 'box' of thinking.

    • The artist's paintings were a true reflection of her out-of-the-box thinking.

      This idiom can also be used to describe the qualities of a person's thinking or approach to a situation. In this example, it suggests that the artist's thinking is so innovative and unconventional that it is reflected in her artwork.

    • The company's CEO is known for his out-of-the-box leadership style.

      This idiom can also be used to describe the style or approach of a person in a leadership or management role. In this example, it suggests that the CEO's leadership style is so innovative and unconventional that it is reflected in the way he manages and leads his team.

    • The students' out-of-the-box solutions to the math problem impressed the teacher.

      This idiom can also be used to describe the results or outcomes of a person's thinking or approach. In this example, it suggests that the students' solutions to the math problem were so innovative and unconventional that they impressed the teacher.

    • The company's out-of-the-box approach to customer service has earned them a loyal customer base.

      This idiom can also be used to describe the overall approach or philosophy of an organization or business. In this example, it suggests that the company's approach to customer service is so innovative and unconventional that it has earned them a loyal customer base.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "out of the box thinking" is often used to encourage people to approach a problem or situation with a different perspective and to think creatively. It can also be used to describe ideas or strategies that are unconventional or innovative.

    Origin of "Out of the box thinking"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 1960s in the advertising industry. It was used to describe the approach of thinking outside of traditional or conventional methods in order to come up with unique and effective advertising campaigns. Over time, the phrase has evolved to be used in various contexts beyond advertising and has become a popular phrase in business, education, and other fields where creativity and innovation are valued.

    Some believe that the idiom may have been influenced by the expression "thinking outside the box," which was popularized in the late 1970s and early 1980s by management consultant, Mike Vance. Vance often used this phrase to encourage people to think beyond their usual thought patterns and to explore new and unconventional ideas.

    Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom "out of the box thinking" has become a widely used phrase to describe the act of thinking creatively and differently in order to solve problems or generate new ideas. It has become a popular mantra in many industries and is often seen as a valuable skill to possess.