Ask ACE: What to do when you don’t know what to do
Q: In my work, I’m often required to do things I’ve never done before, and I’ve been burned by just going ahead and hoping for the best. That has made me cautious, but my boss is demanding more originality. Is there a way out for me?
ACE Responds: You certainly can be creative safely in unfamiliar situations, but it requires both fresh thinking and discipline.
First, make sure you know as much as possible about what your boss is looking for. “Originality” is a concept that can go in any one of countless directions.
Once you’re really clear on the assignment, you need to innovate.
Think through the characteristics that describe the solution: What the solution is supposed to accomplish, the specific needs and interests involved, cost and timing issues, etc. Be specific.
Then put that aside temporarily. Research the field and related issues. Ask coworkers and knowledgeable people for experiences and ideas. Check reference books and online resources. Brainstorm ideas, alone and with open-minded associates. Vacuum up all the potentially relevant facts and opinions.
Try to avoid developing your own opinions during this research phase.
Stay wide open.
Once you feel you have enough raw material to work with, use it to come up with at least three alternative solutions.
Then go back to the requirements you identified for a good solution. Apply them to your ideas. Be aware that your new information may change some of those requirements.
It’s likely none of your draft solutions will fully do the job, but combined elements of several might get you there.
If there still are holes in your idea, repeat the process, or whatever part of it isn’t yet clear.
It works. With practice, you can get quite a bit faster and more efficient with it.
Jim Milliken can be reached at millikenproject@gmail.com.
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