Don’t Let Normal Hold You Back

Thinking outside the box is a cliché that is often thrown around in the business world. However, the true intention behind this phrase is to encourage individuals to break free from their conventional thinking patterns and not let the normal hold them back. This approach is especially important for CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) and CIOs (Chief Information Officers) who are responsible for managing the information technology and security of their organisations.

The benefits of thinking outside the box are evident in some of the most successful companies in the world. For instance, Ford revolutionised the industry by not giving customers what they want, but by giving them what they needed – faster cars, not faster horses. Apple disrupted the industry with their “Think Different” campaign, and with the introduction of the iPod. Netflix disrupted the entertainment industry with its online streaming service, and Spotify disrupted the music industry with its digital music streaming platform. All of these companies succeeded because they thought outside the box and were not afraid to take risks.

Despite the benefits, thinking outside the box can be challenging for CISOs and CIOs. These professionals face numerous obstacles, including limited resources, limited support, resistance to change, competing priorities, fear of failure, and cyber threats. However, there are several solutions that CISOs and CIOs can implement to overcome these challenges.

One solution is to think like a business person rather than a technologist. CISOs and CIOs need to be able to communicate in business language and focus on the emotional aspects of their work. They should avoid fear-mongering and instead focus on providing solutions that meet business objectives. This approach will help them to gain support and resources from senior management.

Another solution is to learn from other fields such as business strategy, communications, product design thinking, and psychology. By understanding these disciplines, CISOs and CIOs can gain new perspectives and insights that can help them to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions.

Finally, doing less can be more beneficial than doing more. CISOs and CIOs should prioritise their efforts and focus on the most critical areas. This approach will enable them to achieve more with fewer resources and will help them to avoid the pitfalls of trying to do too much at once.

In conclusion, thinking outside the box is a critical skill for CISOs and CIOs. It can help these professionals to overcome challenges, develop innovative solutions, and achieve success in their organisations. By thinking like a business person, learning from other fields, and prioritising their efforts, CISOs and CIOs can unlock their potential and lead their organisations to greater heights.