The methodology of Cramer's
Cube is not the result of a scientific breakthrough or
a research study. It is simply a collection of practical methods
that enable people to work effectively and innovatively in a workgroup.
The methods utilized
in Cramer's Cube are
easy to learn and fun to apply.
The foundation of Cramer's Cube is the belief
that people have an innate and indefinable uniqueness that we simply
call individuality. In order for this individuality to be recognized,
appreciated and utilized, a methodology must be in place to facilitate
that uniqueness. When an individual reaches the limits of his or
her individuality, and demonstrates that uniqueness to others, that
person is considered a BOXer.
CREATING A CUBE
To enable the full participation of each workgroup member, a cube
is created. The size of the cube is defined by the limits of what
the team defines as the universe of possible solutions to its objective.
To establish the outer limits of the cube, the members remove all
limitations on individual participation and contribution. Every
member is able to utilize the full spectrum of his or her insights
and talents during the course of collaboration and decision-making.
Individuals are able to reach the limits of their uniqueness and
the solutions reach the limits of their possibilities.
Vincent M. Cramer developed
his Organizational Development expertise by creating a working environment
for his sales organizations. Irrespective of age, experience, education,
personality, culture or gender, everyone participates as equal members.
Simple guidelines facilitate Communication,
Collaboration, and Contribution.
- The focus of the group is on Insight and Observations,
not Ideas or Opinions.
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- The group is not influenced or limited by the
actions of a leader.
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- The rules of Argument and Debate make
discussions passionate, not personal.
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- The workgroup creates the universe of
possible solutions to meet its Objective.
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- The workgroup generates three solutions
as its proposal to meet the Objective.
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- The results are designated as:
Innovative, Extreme and Revolutionary.
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THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT…"BOXES" IN THE
CUBE
- A "box" generally understands its limits.
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- A "box" cannot know the limits of the other
"boxes."
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- Every "box" works within its limits, but is
pushed...
to its limits.
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- Every "box" strives to reach the limits of the
CUBE’S universe.
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- A "box" is not required to think outside of
itself
because it cannot.
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- A "box" that strives to reach whatever is
outside itself will not succeed.
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- When a "box" considers something to be "on
the outside", that something may actually be
in another "box."
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BENEFITS OF USING THE METHODOLOGY
- It is easy to learn and fun to apply.
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- It provides workgroups with a common "starting point."
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- Executives know the expectations of the workgroup.
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- Team members know that the group dynamics
were guided, not led.
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- The results can be empirically validated.
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