Dave Gray, author and founder of XPLANE, talks about moving beyond mental models to embrace new possibilities. Topics include sketching ideas, creating customers within job settings, prototyping, demonstrating expertise online, and the concept of a school focused on the art of the possible.
Embrace creativity and uniqueness to unlock new opportunities in your career.
Share early and often to invite collaboration and feedback, fostering openness to explore possibilities.
Deep dives
Understanding Career Transition and Possibilities
Dave Gray discusses his journey from art school to founding X-Plane and exploring the concept of becoming a 'possibilatarian.' He shares the importance of creating your own path, and how embracing your unique skills and creativity can lead to new opportunities. Dave highlights the value of finding great bosses who encourage your potential and the difference between a company's fitting role and a customer's appreciation of your uniqueness.
The Power of Presenting Half-Baked Ideas
Dave Gray emphasizes the benefits of sharing early and often, comparing it to sketching ideas rather than presenting finished products. By presenting sketches, individuals invite collaboration and contributions, moving away from immediate judgments. He encourages individuals to begin conversations by sharing their evolving ideas, fostering feedback and openness to possibilities.
Adopting an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Work
Dave Gray advocates for an entrepreneurial mindset within traditional job structures, where individuals view their work as a service provided to customers, including their boss. This shift allows for diversification and reduces vulnerability by having multiple 'customers' or sources of value. Gray suggests that even within organizations, thinking entrepreneurially can lead to more impactful and satisfying work experiences.
Exploring 'The School of the Possible'
Dave Gray introduces 'The School of the Possible' as a sketch of a learning community focused on exploring the art of the possible. Described as an art school for the art of the possible, the school aims to create a space for learning, exploration, and play around the concept of possibilities. Gray invites participation in this ongoing sketching process, welcoming all interested individuals to join in and contribute.
Dave Gray describes himself as a possibilitarian. He focuses on helping people and teams realize their creative potential. Dave the author of several influential books, including Liminal Thinking and Gamestorming, which he co-authored with Sunni Brown and James Macanudo. He also founded the pioneering visual thinking company XPLANE. In this conversation, we discuss how to move beyond mental models that constrain us to open up new possibilities.