One right answer?

I spoke recently at the Society of Women Engineers’ regional conference here in St. Louis, talking about creative problem-solving. In my preparation for the talk, I asked my friend Tracy, an engineer herself and my link to this group, whether most engineers consider themselves creative. Her answer: “Yes, to an extent… but we are taught in school to look for the one right answer, rather than to consider that there might be a lot of answers that would work.” She added that it’s not until they get out into the work world that young engineers feel less constrained and able to seek out multiple creative solutions.

Creativity is about problem-solving, and unlike school, where we’re taught that 1 plus 1 equals 2, the real world doesn’t always add up that way. Especially in a tough economy, small business owners must look harder for creative solutions to problems involving sales, financing, networking and marketing. Sometimes the most creative answers require you to take a risk. Psychologist Erich Fromm said, “Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.” Often there is great reward in letting go of the certain and trying something different.

Next time you’re looking for a solution, don’t stop at the first right answer you meet.