C and the Box: A Paradigm Parable

Opens the door to creative thinkingThis parable is an enjoyable little story focused on creative thinking within an organization. The story is a short illustrated cartoon that can be read in less than an hour, and illustrates how easy it is to get stuck in the comfort zone and how powerful and rewarding it can be when one taps into their creative spirit. This is not a deep read, but is a great reminder. As the author of two books on creative thinking, I am always looking for other material that can be useful in my firm's creative work. I have found that this book is particularly good at reminding people of the importance of creative thinking, and how easy it is to get stuck doing...instead of thinking. C and The Box is a fun way to remind yourself of the power of creative thought.Jordan Ayan, author of "Aha! - 10 Ways To Free Your Creative Spirit and Find Your Great Ideas" & "Ignite Your Creative Spark"

I often work with people to help them understand what stalled thinking is, and how to overcome it. One of the analogies that the majority of people get is thinking outside the box. I usually connect that thought to the old problem of how you connect the dots with fewer lines. Most people have trouble with that, until they start considering solutions that include drawing lines that go outside the apparent box formed by the dots. This book takes a different approach. It explains how we become comformists, and comfortable with that comformity. Then it shows the downside of that conformity -- namely boredom.The parable then goes on to show how hard it is to use resources that can get you out of the box, but how rewarding it is when you do, and share what you learned with others. I find that most people don't see themselves in a box, which adds to their stalled thinking. I found the parable to be fresh and effective at addressing the issues, much like Who Moved My Cheese? does. Although the book is short and can be read quickly, I see that as an advantage rather than a disadvantage. Be warned that the cost per word is high. Be sure to read the two page epilogue. It has some ideas for helping you get out of the box. "Don't judge for a day." "Jump in a puddle." You will probably see one or two that will interest you, and that will help you out of the box.Banish your stalled thinking! All you have to lose are your blinders!

I showed this book to my boss. He took it home and let his whole family read it. He said it was the best book he had ever read. My customer liked it so much he bought his own copy and showed it to his new employees. It's a book that you can literally read in 5 minutes and could change the way you think for the rest of your life. It's really about finding the creativity that you thought you lost as you grew up.

Learn to live and think out of your box! Push past those boundaries and limited beliefs! This paradigm parable's message hit's home!