Dear Bob ... My manager continually tells us to "think outside the box." I'm tired of hearing the phrase, especially because while I hear the phrase a lot, I rarely hear a good definition. Which is to say, we have stupid arguments about whether an idea is in or outside of the box. I know this sounds ridiculous ... it is ridiculous ... but we need help. Can you provide it? - On the edge of the box Dear On the edg Dear Bob …My manager continually tells us to “think outside the box.” I’m tired of hearing the phrase, especially because while I hear the phrase a lot, I rarely hear a good definition.Which is to say, we have stupid arguments about whether an idea is in or outside of the box. I know this sounds ridiculous … it is ridiculous … but we need help. Can you provide it?– On the edge of the boxDear On the edge … Sure. Like so many phrases that have worn themselves out through overuse, this one has lost its meaning, probably because a mystique has been attached to it.“Out of the box” sounds binary – you’re either inside or outside. Just substitute the perfectly good adjective “unconventional” and everyone will understand that some ideas are more unconventional than others but there’s no absolute.Now: I hope everyone starts to focus on having useful ideas you can implement, whether they’re conventional, unconventional, or out of sight. – Bob ——– Technology Industry