Have you ever grappled with a problem for days, months or even years until one day you shared it with a friend or coworker who took one look at it , and solved it immediately? They had a spark of insight that emerged from their unique point of view, and that was all it took to find a path around your obstacle. This is what we call the power of perspective, and it can either be a huge roadblock, or a huge impetus, to innovation.
This letter from the Gates Foundation, 3 Myths that Block Progress for the Poor, effectively disproves all negative interpretations of foreign aid within 28 pages. While it’s a very optimistic and positive outlook on our world that a lot of people would benefit from reading, it’s not something that the average social media user is going to come across casually. And even if they do, few would take the time to digest its wisdom.
When you're passionate about spreading information throughout the world but you don't know how to get people to pay attention, what do you do? Well, you look at it from a different perspective of course! Bill Gates did exactly that, taking a more humorous, lighthearted approach to spreading his good news. Watch him in this video with Jimmy Fallon.
This video was launched January 21, 2014 and as of this writing had been viewed more than 1.4 million times. Gates is achieving his intended result.
The beauty of living in this crazy and diverse world of ours is that we have an infinite supply of different viewpoints to draw from. Taking advantage of these varied outlooks and using them as a lens through which we can view challenges in unique ways is essential in maximizing our ability to be creative. By focusing on what might be all the ways to publicize his letter, Bill Gates, gives us a perfect example of how it is often necessary to stretch beyond the ordinary and take an unexpected or unusual approach to solving problems.
The real lesson for all of us is to remain awake to the possibility that our own perspective isn’t always right or even useful. And, it is never the only view that we can choose to take. It takes some courage and humility to stretch perspectives on a regular basis but the benefits of doing so are worth it. For more insight read our white paper, Fear: The Great Innovation Killer. Oh. The answer to the question: "What kind of leader wears a chicken head?" One dedicated to the mission, if that's what it takes to achieve that mission. Take a read at gatesletter.com. It's a worthy use of your time!