Structure, operational manuals, standard-operating-procedures and training to comply are the key characteristics of achieving efficiency. Doing the same job, in a better way every other time. But, innovation is an opposite act. Finding ways of doing the same job, in a different way to start with. If that yields better results, make it a norm. But, unless you step-aside and think, it will be difficult to spot an idea worth exploring.

One method of spotting opportunities is thinking out of the box. Easier said than done. But, if you are good at following a procedure, devise one for innovation too. Here’s one classic and effective way of side-stepping, thinking out of the box. Check it and internalise it…