Explore Possibilities First, Then Ask the Tough Questions

Creativity and logic aren’t opposites

If you consider every risk as soon as you start generating ideas, you may stop at the first safe option. But if you don’t evaluate your ideas at all, you can easily accept a solution that’s expensive or doesn’t work. It helps to separate the stage where you generate possibilities from the stage where you assess them.

Imagine you want to simplify how work is handed over internally. First, write down several distinct possibilities: a shorter form, a regular handover conversation, or a shared status overview. At this stage, you don’t have to pick a winner yet.

Then agree on your criteria. What does the solution need to achieve? How much will it cost? What problems must it not create? Compare each option using the same questions. The most appealing idea may not be the most suitable if it adds more administrative work for people.

When evaluating options, distinguish confirmed facts from estimates. If you don’t know whether customers will understand the new form, mark it as an open question. You can run a short test with a few users instead of pretending to be certain.

Don’t try to make every decision using numbers alone. Some impacts are qualitative, such as clarity or trust. These can still be evaluated through specific observations, conversations, and acceptable limits.

Try it out: For three of your own proposals, write down two shared criteria and one question that needs checking. Only then choose an option for a small pilot. This way, critical thinking supports creativity instead of simply holding it back.