Ideas...

My Statistics professor asked us to elaborate on Albert Einstein's statement, “The formulation of a problem is far more often essential than its solution, which may be merely a matter of mathematical or experimental skill. To raise new questions, new possibilities, to regard old problems from a new angle requires creative imagination and marks real advance in science.”

Here is my reply....

Perhaps one of the most frustrating responses a person can receive when trying to implement a new idea or process is, “But, that’s the way we’ve always done it!” My gut reaction to that is always, (Insert sarcastic tone here :) “And, how has that been working out for you so far?” Because, quite obviously, if the old way really worked so very well, chances are we wouldn’t be having the conversation in the first place.

Of course, I wouldn’t actually say that (not in the professional arena …all bets are off at home, though! ), but I think the take-away from Einstein’s quote is that if we want to affect real change on our environment and somehow move past old problems with a new and viable solutions, we need to step away from the problem from our old viewpoint and find a new and innovative way to approach it. We have to open our minds, listen to new ideas, and try new paths for sparks of true innovation to ignite.

In today’s technologically-advanced business environment, we have the option to gather vast amounts of research and ideas more quickly and efficiently than ever before. We can better understand and relate to others on a globalized level; discourse, research, and data from all corners of the world can inspire scientists and business-people alike to view old problems from new perspectives.

Many times the innovative idea most feared is the one most misunderstood. By taking advantage of the plethora of research available today, people are able to educate themselves, rather than just listening to the strongest voice in the room and accepting that one viewpoint as the be-all-and-end-all authority. At that point, creative thought can expand and lead to innovative ideas.

Ok, obviously a hot-button issue for me ::::climbing down off my soap box:::::

But....think about it.