Research on ‘executive success’ indicates that problem solving skill is perhaps the single most important factor in the success of individuals and organizations. The willingness and ability to work hard is a necessary condition for success, it is however not a sufficient one. An organization can perform reasonably well doing things the way the best organizations do, however this can propel the organization to, at best, a number two position. The leadership position shall belong to organizations that do better than themselves. That is what makes an IBM, Intel, Motorola, Google……..
Clearly, a good technician can apply the known, well established rules and processes to a situation. It is the hallmark of a genius who can find better solutions to existing problems, or in the words of Kenichi Ohmae, develop the ‘Art of Strategic Thinking’. An excellent strategy has an element of novelty, surprise and speed. This calls for creative thinking.
Most good education creates conformists. We test the students on our lectures. They learn to procrastinate, cram at the last moment and get good grades. (Stephen Covey) They tend to believe that these quick-fix, short-cut methods are a recipe for success in life. Clearly life does not work this way. To perform well, one has to be consistent and do the tasks when they need to be done. Also, you can do reasonably well by what everybody else can do. Excellence however will come from doing the task better than the others through unique and innovative approaches.
That creativity can be enhanced is well supported by research. However, it is a skill and skills are learnt by drill. We believe that once the creative ideas are allowed to flow, the students will find their own sources and applications and practice on their own.