Companies today, facing an environment of great uncertainty, need to embrace the idea of challenging traditional industry assumptions. This perspective of defying conventional wisdom goes hand-in-hand with the process of Blue Ocean Strategy, which is a systematic approach to turning unconventional ideas into successful strategies.
The importance of embracing the perspective of defying conventional wisdom was noted recently in an interview given by Steve Forbes, editor of Forbes magazine, to the Tampa Times. The inspiration for Forbes’ insight came a few years ago when he was browsing in a Florida bookstore and picked up a copy of Hannibal Crosses the Alps by Eckerd College classics professor John Prevas. From the Times interview:
As he reviewed the book for his magazine, Forbes was struck by two things: that the elements of successful leadership have not changed in 2,000 years and that anyone who accomplishes something great or unique, whether in business or politics, often does so by defying conventional wisdom.
Are you continuously searching for a different angle and fresh perspective? For inspiration, you can see more of our ideas on Defying Conventional Wisdom.
[Image via Dai Oni.]
