I went to a conference on diversity issues in business yesterday, and among some excellent speakers there was one in particular who told a story about “thinking outside the box”. Literally.
Her organisation has been a leader in ensuring everyone possible is given the chance of work.
They had one particular job which involved packing components into a box. You had to be able to count, in order to pack the correct number of components. This requirement to count meant that one particular applicant with a learning disability was not qualified for the job.
So they simply redesigned the box so that when it was full, exactly the right number of components fitted in.
That applicant is now doing the job successfully, is 100% reliable, and is a happy and productive member of the community.
I loved this story; it struck me as a modern parable. Sometimes we need to explore what seems inconceivable, to set aside our customary ways of thinking and see what rich possibilities dawn.
Photograph by Steve Keys
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
definitely a modern day parable
wonderful!
(hey, i thought you were supposed to be doing “other stuff” on mondays and tuesdays?!?!?)
Fantastic! What an example of leaving no one behind.
great story — I love that they changed the actual box!
I used to work with the devolpmentally delayed and this is so very true. Sometimes all you need is a chance.
I’m glad y’all liked it. Having a brother with Down’s Syndrome this is particularly close to my heart.
Lucy – well spotted. I changed my days around this week so as to attend this conference, and swapped Tuesday for Friday. Which will mean… five straight days off!!!
Your speaker’s organization must be quite a place!! Commendable would be putting it mildly!