Octopus Thinking

Old friends are best, King James used to call for his old shoes; they were easiest for his feet-------- (John Selden, English historian and antiquary 1584-1654)

The Octopus is unlike most animals; octopuses have a decentralized nervous system. Their brains are located in their heads, but about two-thirds of their neurons are in their arms, which means each arm can essentially "think" independently to some extent.

This makes them great at tasks like:

Opening jars: They’ve been observed unscrewing lids to get to food inside.

Mimicking other animals: They can change their color and texture to blend in with their surroundings or even mimic other sea creatures, like flounders or lionfish.

Escape artistry: They can squeeze through tiny gaps and escape enclosures, which has led to many anecdotes of octopuses "escaping" from aquariums or tanks.

The Octopus with their blue blood and three heart are smart, adaptable, and resilient. The eight tentacles work in concert, but each can also think for itself. Their unique traits can definitely inspire strategies for innovation and adaptability in a business context. 

Adaptability and Flexibility

Octopuses are masters at adapting to their environment, whether it's camouflaging to avoid predators or squeezing through tiny spaces. In business, this means being able to pivot quickly when needed. The market, technology, and consumer behavior change constantly, so businesses that remain flexible and open to change can thrive. For example, during tough times, a business could adjust its strategies, products, or services to better align with current demands. 

- Embrace change and innovation. 

- Be ready to adjust to new trends or challenges. 

- Think of ways to stay agile in your business operations. 

Creativity

Octopuses have incredible problem-solving skills, and they can figure out puzzles, open jars, and use tools. This level of creativity and critical thinking can inspire businesses to approach problems with fresh ideas and innovative solutions. Businesses should encourage a creative culture where employees feel free to experiment and think outside the box. 

- Foster a culture of innovation and problem-solving. 

- Look for creative ways to overcome obstacles. 

- Encourage experimentation and "thinking differently." 

Resourcefulness

Octopuses often use the resources around them in smart ways, whether it’s using rocks or shells as shields or tools. In business, this translates to utilizing available resources efficiently, making the most of what you have, and finding unconventional solutions to problems. 

- Maximize the use of available resources (time, money, personnel). 

- Look for innovative ways to do more with less.

- Think about how you can use existing tools and tech in new ways. 

The octopus intelligence is comparable to some mammals, and they have been known to display curiosity, exploration, and even the ability to remember past experiences.

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