“Problem-solving leaders have one thing in common: a faith that there’s always a better way.” -Gerald M. Weinberg, American computer scientist. Recently I came across an interesting article by Francesca Gino for the Harvard Business Review. The piece focuses on problem solving in what I thought was a particularly innovative–and yet simple–way. How does one generate [...]
“Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it’s the only one you have.” -Emile Chartier, Commonly known as Alain, was a French philosopher, journalist, and pacifist. “To meet complex challenges, we need creative solutions.” This phrase has been said countless times, from the Monday morning status meeting to the executive retreat. And it’s true. [...]
Who, what, when, where and why. These are the “five Ws” of journalism. Four of the five communicate facts which are more or less on the surface of things. The one that I think matters above all? Why. Why is the gateway to wonder. Only children are utterly unafraid to ask why. If you’ve ever [...]
Creating simplicity isn’t simple. Devising a simple solution to a complex challenge is often the result of a long period of reflection, doubt, and experimentation.
To a certain extent, an affirmation is a message to your brain which says, “I don’t care how you do, it, just do it.” The result can be a feeling of bewilderment or futility. “If I haven’t done it yet, what’s to say I can do it now?” The pressure of “must do” blocks the ability to think creatively about a solution.
