### 3.4.1. THE RIGHT ANSWER

Much of our educational system has taught us to look for the one right answer. This approach is fine for some situations, but many of us have a tendency to stop looking for alternative right answers after the first one has- been found. This is unfortunate because often it's the second, or third, or tenth right answer which is what is needed to solve a problem.

A good way to be more creative is to look for the second right answer. There are many ways to pursue these answers, but the important thing is to do it. Often the really creative idea is just around the corner.

The answers you get depend on the questions you ask. Play with your wording to get different answers. One technique is to solicit plural answers. Another is ask questions that whack people's thinking. One woman told me she had a manager who would keep her mind on its toes by asking questions such as, "What are three things you feel totally neutral about ?"