Assumptions structure our way of seeing reality, govern our behaviour, and describe
how relationships should be ordered.
Unwarranted assumptions can kill creativity. Ending assumptions is like any skill,
it takes practice. The more you do it the easier it will become!
Here’s another exercise to help you increase your ability to solve problems creatively.
Creative Exercise 6 - Removing assumptions
We frequently fail to solve problems because we approach them with prejudgments or
unwarranted assumptions. These assumptions restrict our thinking processes and hamper
our imaginations.
When doing this problem, try to defer any prejudgments that pop
into your mind and try to deliberately change your point of view:
Add one line to the roman numeral XI, and end up with the number ten.
See how many solutions you can come up with. The most obvious solution is to add a
fraction bar, X/l. Here are some other solutions:
The solutions shown above are just some of those that involve the use of a straight
line. However, the problem statement was "Add one line.. . " With no qualifications
as to the shape of the line, it would be an unwarranted assumption to try to solve
this problem with only straight lines. As long as we produce a mark with just one
sweep of the pen, without lifting it from the paper, that is "one line" and the following
are also solutions:
Creativity coaching can help you examine your thinking so that you can solve your
problems in the way that you need.
Click here to arrange an introductory session to find out more.
The real challenge is to start paying attention to our thoughts and become aware
of when we are making assumptions. When addressing a problem or situation it’s always
useful to ask ourselves “what assumptions am I making here?”
Remember the quote from Oscar Wilde “When you assume, you make an ass out of u and
me.” Instead of assuming, ask questions. Sometimes it’s hard to ask questions, because
we assume we know the answer and we don’t want to hear it. The fact is, we don't
know what the truth is unless we ask. When you ask instead of assume, you may get
an answer you didn’t expect.
Besides killing creativity, making unwarranted assumptions can also:
1. Cause unnecessary stress
2. Waste time and energy
3. Create misunderstandings
4. Cause you to miss out on great opportunities
5. Lower your confidence and create self-doubt
6. Lead you to offer wrong answers
7. Create obstacles that don't exist
So can I assume this will convince you to practise not making assumptions?
