There are less obvious solutions than common sense ^83%

There Are Less Obvious Solutions Than Common Sense

As professionals, we're often told to rely on our instincts and trust our gut feelings when making decisions. While intuition can be powerful, it's also limited by our own experiences and biases. In many cases, the most effective solutions are not the ones that come easily to mind, but rather those that require a deeper understanding of the problem.

The Limits of Common Sense

Our common sense is based on patterns and associations we've developed through experience and social learning. While it serves us well in everyday situations, it can be inadequate when faced with complex or unconventional problems. In these cases, relying solely on common sense can lead to:

• Missed opportunities
• Inefficient solutions
• Unintended consequences

The Power of Less Obvious Solutions

Less obvious solutions often require a fresh perspective and a willingness to challenge assumptions. They involve considering alternative viewpoints, exploring new information, and thinking creatively. By embracing this approach, we can uncover innovative solutions that might have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Case Studies in Unconventional Problem-Solving

Consider the story of NASA's engineers who were tasked with developing a pen that could write in space. The solution wasn't to create a special "space pen," but rather to use a pencil instead. The reason? A pencil is simply a stick of graphite, which doesn't require any internal components that might fail or malfunction in microgravity.

Similarly, the design of the Ford Mustang was influenced by a team member's love of European sports cars. By considering the needs and preferences of enthusiasts outside their typical customer base, the designers created a car that appealed to a broader range of buyers.

Embracing the Unobvious

To cultivate less obvious solutions, we must be willing to:

• Question our assumptions
• Seek out diverse perspectives
• Explore unconventional ideas
• Experiment and iterate

By doing so, we can unlock innovative solutions that might have otherwise remained hidden. As professionals, it's essential to recognize that there are often multiple paths to a solution, and that the most effective ones may not be the first ones that come to mind.

Conclusion

Less obvious solutions require us to think beyond our common sense and push past our natural limitations. By embracing this approach, we can unlock new possibilities, drive innovation, and achieve greater success in our careers. Remember, sometimes the best solution is not the one that's most obvious, but rather the one that requires a little more effort and creativity to uncover.