Field of View
Field of View
An ongoing infusion of diverse perspectives is critical to creating an ecosystem that fosters creativity, innovation, and progress.
One approach to cultivating such an ecosystem is identifying transferrable knowledge through cross-over ideas and adjacent perspectives. When a body of knowledge or practice from an adjacent field crosses over to another field unexpected breakthroughs can occur. Following fields outside your comfort zone can challenge existing beliefs. John Maxwell reminds us that “there’s a gap between where we stand, and where we’re trying to go” and “we have to be aware of this space and prudent when crossing it.”
Staying on top of trends in our own field is one thing. But knowing which of these trends to follow and identifying cross-over ideas in other fields can be daunting. The good news is that the season of top trend lists and predictions for the new year is upon us. Commit to paying attention to these lists including those that are far afield from your own industry.
One trick is avoiding overwhelm by the volume of potential cross-over ideas. Do a quick scan of these lists which may provide some new perspectives to spark creativity, innovation, and progress in our own field. When you do, hold these questions at the front of mind:
1. What general themes resonate with you and your organization?
2. What general approaches did they use to solve problems and promote growth?
3. Can you adapt and apply these approaches to your circumstances?
So now I ask you … Where do you stand, where are you going, and what are the gaps in between? What cross-over ideas and adjacent perspectives do you need to follow, and are they far enough afield to nurture a breakthrough mindset?