Organizations often find themselves stuck in that deadly thought: “this is just the way we’ve always done it.”
In an increasingly competitive market and in a world where government must continuously evolve to advance public service, organizations must identify ways to push past these barriers and unlock innovations that reframe the best way to achieve their result. The Three Box Method is one vital tool that can help achieve this goal through revitalized team structures, processes, and goal setting. The Three Box Solution not only enables leaders to think outside the box, but it can also foster an entire workplace culture of innovative employees.
What is Three Box
Created by Vijay Govindarajan, the Three Box Solution is an innovation strategy implemented to power non-linear innovation. Non-linear innovation aims to create something new, whereas linear innovation works to improve existing systems and structures. The Three Box Solution drives this by evaluating the present (Box 1) and aiming for peak efficiency; the past (Box 2)—reflecting on what no longer works and asking the ever-important why question; and lastly, experimenting in the future (Box 3) by brainstorming creative, maybe even wild, and innovative ideas.
Box 1
Box 1 of Govindarajan’s strategy asks the individual right now what can be done to improve efficiency. Notably, Box 1 encourages linear innovation by improving processes already implemented. This box often relies on data to find the inefficiencies in the day-to-day. Stimulating linear innovation is a key piece of the non-linear innovation puzzle—allowing the individual to focus on near-term needs and breaking ground for Boxes 2 and 3.
Box 2
In Box 2, the individual reflects on the past—asking “What works?” or “What no longer serves its original purpose?” It is imperative for leadership to regularly visit Box 2 and empower decision-makers to stop inefficient processes or requirements. Leadership fostering psychological safety is imperative in having employees share and participate in Box 2. Reflecting on the past and evaluating what works and what is no longer efficient also clears the way for non-linear ideas found in Box 3.
Box 3
Govindarajan’s final box, Box 3, is all about creating the future. After spending time in Boxes 1 and 2, Box 3 experiments with assumptions and asks the “I wonder…” question. This is the space to not only brainstorm unique and innovative ideas to everyday problems; but it is also where employees should go further and test assumptions. Govindarajan goes on to stress the importance of incorporating Box 3 exercises daily because the future is something built now. Much like exercise, the daily decision to focus on the future for a few minutes accumulates over time.
The Three Box Solution at VA
The Veterans Health Administration’s Innovators Network (iNET) has fine-tuned putting this innovation model into practice, ultimately offering a space for outside-of-box thinkers to ask the “why” questions that lead to better health care experiences for Veterans.
VHA iNET is teaching these exact principles and powering the transformation of a culture by providing classes to frontline employees, their supervisors, and site leadership. In VHA iNET’s Building Your Innovation Strategy class, Innovation Specialists teach the Three Box Solution and how it specifically works at VA. Box 1 has VA supervisors and employees asking: “how can we make our services better, faster, and more cost-efficient?” VA supervisors and employees look at the resulting data to address gap and opportunities to improve healthcare systems.
By asking what is working and not working in Box 2, VA has been able to quickly rule out items that no longer serve a purpose. For example, in a recent discussion, it was clear that a course no longer offered value and the team was able to efficiently cut it from the curriculum—giving time back to focus on more strategic areas. Specifically, pausing to ask the why question gives space for exploration in Box 3.
VHA iNET’s mantra of “think big, start small – fail small,” comes alive in Box 3. In their fundamentals class, VA supervisors and employees are encouraged to build daily habits oriented around brainstorming novel and innovative ideas for those everyday problems. Programming like iNET’s Spark-Seed-Spread Innovation Investment and Accelerator program provides the space, time, and resources that fuel non-linear innovation.
The Three Box Solution keeps an organization constantly reflective and driving the future. For organizations looking to overcome inefficient processes and uninspired structures, the Three Box Solution provides just that—a solution. One that is wildly unique, yet simple. Improve the present, reflect on the past, and explore the future. Innovating organizational culture is only three boxes away.
