“Great minds think alike.” We’ve all heard this phrase before.  It typically warrants saying when someone has an idea that you were already thinking about.  “Great minds think alike, huh Kirk?”  Think about that for a moment.  If all great minds thought alike, where would we be?  If Alexander Graham Bell thought only as far as Johann Reis’s version of the telephone, we wouldn’t have the voice quality we have now.  What if we could only transmit tones?? Can you hear me now?

Here’s another example: If Mary Anderson thought just like everyone else, she might not have invented windshield wipers.  We don’t have to stick our heads out the window like Ace Ventura when the windshield gets dirty.  It’s not quite as fun to flip a switch, but you get my point.

As I think more about this phrase, this question comes to mind: Wouldn’t hiring managers and recruiters (or anyone that’s part of a team) want someone who thinks differently rather than alike?  Here are the advantages that come to mind:

Thought diversity. If everyone had the same idea, there would be no point in having team meetings, collaborative projects, or brainstorming sessions.  Thought diversity is a crucial part of the team model.

Solution stimulation. People think differently.  One person may have a different outlook or solution for a problem.  If they thought just like you do, the problem could get worse.  Think of these individuals as Solutions Stimulators.

Collaboration. Mentioned above, collaboration is how some of the best ideas come to fruition.  Different people offering different points of view provide a much more in-depth look into the challenge and solutions offered.

So, think about what makes you different, unique.  I’m curious, so I have a lot of questions (I get along great with my friend’s 4 year old).  How are you applying this concept in the job search and on the job?

What’s your take on this common phrase?  Do you think that great minds DO think alike?  I’d love to know.  Please weigh in by leaving a comment below.  As always, thanks for reading.