Innovative thinkers often take an “outside the box” approach to problem-solving, but it’s important to remember that context is key.

While it’s important to be open to new ideas, it’s also essential to consider the specific situation in which you’re working. What might work in one context could be completely inappropriate in another. For example, a company that’s trying to be more innovative might encourage employees to take risks and experiment with new ideas.

However, if the company is operating in a highly regulated industry, such as healthcare or finance, there may be less room for experimentation. In this case, a better approach might be to encourage employees to find new ways to work within the existing regulatory framework. Rather than trying to totally reinvent the wheel, they would look for small changes that could make a big difference.

The bottom line is that innovation requires a balance of creativity and pragmatism. To be truly successful, you need to understand the importance of context and tailor your approach accordingly.