The Outsider Advantage

We’ve all heard the saying, “Sometimes, you can’t see the forest for the trees.” When we’re knee-deep in a problem, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overthinking and developing tunnel vision. It can be challenging to spot a solution, let alone think of innovative ideas. We try everything to find our way out of a challenging situation—we brainstorm it, we analyze it, we Google it—yet, the harder you look, the more elusive the answer becomes, and nothing seems to click. That’s where the concept of the outsider advantage comes into play. It suggests that those who aren’t experts in a particular field or emotionally involved in a certain situation can help us think outside the box and see new possibilities.

The outsider advantage is all about perspective. Insiders often get caught up in the details—they know too much about the constraints and “the way things are done.” Outsiders bring fresh perspectives and ideas that insiders might overlook simply because they are too familiar with the situation.

Additionally, outsiders can see solutions where others see dead ends because they aren’t weighed down by the same biases or conventions. The fact that they aren’t tied down by conventions, but rather inspired by possibility, is what leads to new ways of thinking.

Many outsiders have backgrounds in different fields or disciplines. This breadth of experience allows them to draw parallels and apply successful strategies from one area to another.

In your everyday life, asking a friend, coworker or partner for advice or help can be precious. Without the emotional investment that insiders might have, outsiders can evaluate situations more objectively and help us see the big picture.

Sometimes, to see the forest, we need someone who isn’t lost in the trees.