Creative Problem Solving
Jul 13, 2022
"Every problem is an opportunity in disguise.''
--John Adams
I guess this all depends on the way we look at the problem. Problems are normally viewed as negative, but if we change our attitudes and view problems as possibilities and/or opportunities, everything changes. If we can weaken emotional responses, stay calm and keep our eyes open to solutions, we don't stifle our creativity.
Here's a story for you on creative problem solving:
An old gentleman lived alone in New Jersey. He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:
"Dear Vincent, I am feeling pretty sad because it looks like I won’t be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I’m just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me, like in the old days.
Love, Papa"
A few days later he received a letter from his son: "Dear Papa, don’t dig up that garden. That’s where the bodies are buried. Love, Vinnie"
At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left.
That same day the old man received another letter from his son: "Dear Papa, go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That’s the best I could do under the circumstances. Love, Vinnie."
Now THAT is creative problem solving!
Smiling,
Jan
Jan McDonald
Maxwell Leadership Team
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