We are suffering from a global lack of unconventional thinkers. How come, since there are certainly enough people in this world able to use their intellect for independent and original thinking, especially since such people usually distinguish themselves through outstanding intelligence? There are several reasons for this. Surely, there have been some disappointments in the recent past. Huge fortunes have been scuttled, billions of Dollars or Euros have been lost, because people lacking experience wandered the corridors or power. Of course we are suffering because despite all our efforts to reduce restrictions the scope for development is decreasing and the need to hedge one’s bets is increasing. And of course, increasingly complex challenges and tasks require lots of experience. And at times we mistake unconventional thinkers with trouble-makers.

I think that the true reasons for a lack of unconventional thinkers are others. We do not take the time anymore to truly listen, to think about it, when we are confronted with new and unknown thoughts and ideas. We quickly have a ‘but’ on our lips. Commissions, task forces, committees and I don’t know how many more ‘switchyards’ for ideas in dire need of processing there are. In this manner unconventional thinkers can be pushed aside so they can’t put obstacles into anyone’s path. To a large extent we have turned into a ‘consensus society’ with an immense need for harmony, which does not want to be disturbed. After all, this is for the most part the result of the current status. Courage is missing in the business world, in politics as well as society. An almost pathological need for security strangles the courage so much, that attributes such as decisiveness and passion are on the verge of perishing, even though it is especially those characteristics that are the cause of admiration and enthusiasm in this world. Where would we be today, if it wasn’t for people such as Werner von Siemens, Thomas Alva Edison, Akio Morita and Bill Gates, just to name a few names from the world of electricity and electronics?

We need unconventional thinkers. Without unconventional thinkers we are not going to be able to master the challenges of the future. We need disorder and chaos, because the order we invoke comes from the past and too much past gets in the way of the future. We need disorder also, because the order does not protect us against the unexpected or the truly new. Only the storm and the fresh wind advances the boat we all sit in. Unconventional thinkers can cause a storm and fresh wind.

Unconventional thinkers are a gift from heaven. We have to create an atmosphere where they do have their own space. We have to welcome them, open the doors to them. The world needs ideas. Unconventional thinkers might be able to deliver them. We need opposition and a rubbing surface. Unconventional thinkers are the proper team mates.

Support unconventional thinkers, surround yourself with unconventional thinkers and wherever teams meet in order to work on chances and problems, there should be at least one unconventional thinker at the table. You will see, where there is an unconventional thinker, life is pulsating.