Hello, John! I've been told that all my life, and occasionally have found myself in the principle's office (many years ago) or my bosses' office (much more recently) because of it. Typically not even the most eloquently presented argument on my behalf has saved me from detention or write-up... But one can always hope she will eventually be granted a supervisor capable of thinking outside the employee manual (it happens rarely)!

Been hearing that all my life. When I was ten, my teacher comforted me after being bullied by encouraging me to proudly think outside the box.

I don't know that I have been told that, but I often feel it.
I am always drawn to those on the fringes of any given group. That's where the interesting stuff is.