The next time you are in a group, look around. See the fence? It encircles you and the group and separates what you and other members are willing to say to each other—and what you are not. Technically, this fence is called a “normative boundary.” You may not be able to see it, but you can feel its presence. Whenever you are together with one or more people, a fence always exists. And whether you realize it or not, it limits the conversation.

Inside the fence is the “usual” conversation that generates the usual results. Outside the fence is the “available” conversation. Talking about things outside the fence is “unusual” and therefore generates remarkable outcomes.