Have you ever heard someone tell you that they like to color outside the lines? It is an interesting word picture, and personally speaking as someone who always hated coloring in general, staying within the lines always seemed boring to me. Of course, as an adult, I spend no time coloring, but in recent years there has been a renaissance of sorts with multiple adult coloring markets coming to market to rekindle that creative spark of a child past.
During the past few weeks I have heard several different people use the line, ‘color outside the lines’, and although each time I heard it the context had some similarities, the reasons given for, ‘coloring outside the lines’ was drastically different, but challenging.
What does it mean to color outside the lines? In the simplest sense, it is a cliched way to suggest either breaking the rules, or expressing creativity, or being non-conforming in a particular area of life. In the grand scheme of things, I really do not think any of those things are bad in and of themselves, but I also think that a value can emerge if the action is done effectively and with intention.
Some of my biggest breakthroughs have come as a result of challenging a convention or prior protocol. The phrase, we do it that way because that is how we have always done it, in my opinion, is toxic both to the individual as well as the organization. It is within those times that finding a new way to do things is not only needed, but necessary.
Granted, it does not always have to be ground shaking change, but having the tenacity to suggest new methods to the process not only invites innovation, often times it will serve as a catalyst for change with others as well.
I remember years ago Hewlett-Packard ran a series of commercials that ended with the tagline, “What if?” The idea is so simple, and yet so profound, that even to this day, the notion resonates with me and serves as a de facto question within multiple roles that I find myself in.
What if we can do things differently?
What if we try that process another way?
What if we identify ways to make things more efficient?
The “what if” question lends itself to so many different areas of life, but more than that, in asking the question you yourself start to color outside the lines. Offering up a challenge that leads to positive change is always a good thing, and often times that change will impact the lives of those who fall under the changes made.
I don’t know about you, but I see that as a good thing. Perhaps coloring outside the lines serves a purpose other than being a fancy catch phrase tossed around when bantering with others in the office.
Regardless of what you call it, creating opportunities for change is something I am always on the lookout for. The challenge this week is to find ways to effect change within your sphere of influence. Maybe someday others will refer to you as a person who colors outside the lines.
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