Back in the spring, my sister gave a commencement speech at MIT.
In this speech, she talked about the problems the world is facing.
And how the graduates should focus on solving big problems.
We have talked about this before.
She is at her best when she has a big problem to solve.
I’m at my best when my creativity is flowing.
My New Insight
Suddenly, I realized we enjoy the same thing – we are just using different words.
She is focused on the problem – Finding ideas that resolve the issues.
I’m focused on possibilities – Taking things that are good and looking for ideas to make them great.
My Research
With my new ah-ha, I went online and did a bit of research on what others think on this topic.
First, I arrived at some simple definitions that made sense.
Quora had a balanced definition that I liked demonstrating how both leverage our imagination.
“Creativity = using your imagination to envision something. Problem-solving = using your imagination to envision solutions to problems.” – Quora
Some I disliked because they cast a glass half full/empty layer that I don’t know I agree with like this one:
“Creativity activates positive thoughts while problem solving is focused on what is negative.”
Then, I came across an article that really connected with me.
The title was “What is the difference between analytical and creative problem solving?”
This article described a right-brain / left-brain approach and how each tie to convergent and divergent thinking.
Both are necessary to solve problems.
The analytic problem solvers tend to gravitate to problems with facts, data, and history.
Creative problem solvers tend to gravitate to unique, abstract problems that don’t have a correct solution.
Neither approach is “right”.
They do compliment one another.
Just like my sister and I.
Your Turn
What types of problems do you gravitate towards – abstract or fact-based?
Do you consider yourself to be an analytical or creative problem solver?
How does your approach fit with the approach of your co-workers?