I love a twisted mind that comes up with rip-snorting ideas that have real chutzpah. I get excited when people are sticky-beaks for the unexplored. I believe agent provocateurs are bringing sexy back to corporate think and people performance.
Let us kick it off with an ode to all those people who have chosen to think different. This gives me goosebumps by the way.
'Here's to the crazy ones.
The misfits.
The rebels.
The troublemakers.
The round pegs in the square holes.
The ones who see things differently.
They're not fond of rules.
And they have no respect for the status quo.
You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them.
About the only thing you can't do is ignore them.
Because they change things.
They push the human race forward.
And while some see them as the crazy ones,
We see genius.
Because the people who are crazy enough to think
they can change the world,
Are the ones who do.'
(Think Different / Apple) - See the film clip on our blog.
Isn't it awesome? Who do you reckon are beacons of different thinking in the world today - get on the blog and discuss.
The world is just a little out of whack isn't it?
Teenagers are excelling in 2nd life, but flunking in first life, Maslow's needs hierarchy has been flipped on its head by a cohort of self-actualised Gen Yers and the Tour de France now starts in England.
The more weird, whacky and funky your thinking, the more successful you will be in the 21st Century. There is no longer any excuse for not unleashing the 'jester' within. This is equally true for individuals as it is for companies. Does anybody doubt that Richard Branson, Ted Turner, or Albert Einstein did not go out of their way to stand out and play in the world from a position of strength, authenticity and uniqueness? To be memorable, it is no longer enough just to be 'personally branded' or stand in 'brand you', you also need to be authentically and unapologetically you, while positioning your thinking strengths as a value-proposition that meets a premium need in this upended world.
'It takes a fool to remain sane' - The Arc
The coolest historical characters and the pillars of funky thinking were the jesters.
Take Shakespeare's word for it - you need to be 'wise enough to play the fool'.[i] Historically, jesters were thought of as special cases whom God had touched with a childlike madness, and they are one of the oldest and most influential historical figures. In societies where Freedom of Speech was not recognised as a right, and political correctness provided a yoke of censorship and limited both diversity of opinion and the ensuing debates, the jester or fool could speak frankly on controversial issues. Jesters were symbols of "physical and verbal dexterity and of freedom from convention". Because of his wit and insight, the jester was often called upon to be a global player, acting as diplomat or ambassador because of their charm, gaiety, and sound judgment. At the side of the monarch, from the Americas to Europe, India and China, jesters used humour to point out shortcomings or limitations in judgment of the ruler, before the ruler could make a mistake, consulted and gave advice that was at times unorthodox, contrarian and always insightful.
Ask yourself, how would a jester look at your situation in life or a challenging business problem you might be facing right now? Be as whacky, wild and weird and come up with a contrarian solutions. Post your jestered thinking on the blog.
Employ Jestered Thinking
If you're looking to employ some jestered thinking in your organization, why not check out Karen Miles' and Anders' 'Your Two Worst Nightmares: Gen Y and Working Mums' - a pre-christmas/on-site lunch and learn that is bound to knock your socks off. You'll need to enquire early as this one is already booking up for Christmas.
Your other opportunity to employ some jestered thinking is if you're a decision-maker at company that employs speakers and trainers to come along to the Thought Leaders New Solutions November 13 Showcase featuring Anders and 5 other top speakers and trainers.