David Colman: Problem solving according to Einstein
Monday, September 24, 2007 | 01:50 PM ET
Money Talks is a collection of daily columns from The Business Network, which airs weekday mornings on CBC Radio One at 5:45 a.m. ET (6:15 a.m. ET in N.L.).
By David Colman, a partner with TriOpus Group in Regina
(Listen to the original audio)
I learned a couple of things about Albert Einstein recently.
The first was that when he came to the United States, he decided he needed some time to get away from things to work on his theory of relativity. What did he do? He came north to the province of Saskatchewan. While there, he spent time in a small town called Canwood and, get this, played ice hockey for the local team. Who knew? Well certainly not many people in Saskatchewan either then or now.
The other thing about Einstein that fascinated was a quote he allegedly made that many of you may have heard. It goes something like this. He defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It's pretty good, isn't it?
It's also the definition for how so many people both in and out of business solve problems.
Shifting the sports metaphor from ice hockey to football, the late coach of the Green Bay Packers, Vince Lombardi, once said something to the effect that practice does not make perfect, but perfect practice makes perfect. In other words, he was in Einstein's camp on this one: if you do the same thing over and over, don't expect different (and may I add 'better') results.
I suppose another drum thumper of Einstein's would be good old Dr Phil. I think it was he who said 'if you want different, you've got to do different'.
So, as leaders, what do we have to do to encourage, cajole, and support our workforces to act and think differently and, as a result, solve problems? Certainly just saying it won't make it happen, will it?
If I could get Albert, Vince, and Phil, in a room to talk about this, what would they suggest?
I'd bet you a hot dinner their ideas would include:
I believe that if you embrace these ideas, you could come out looking like Einstein.
Well, relatively speaking.
- David Colman
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Comments
Bernard
Ontario
Grammar is not good. There is a blurred relationship of the ideas and thoughts of author.
Posted September 24, 2007 08:10 PM
Barbara
Interesting article. I did not know that Einstein ever lived in Canada, So I did learn something new today....
Getting people and business to change is a process of baby steps. Your suggestions are a good beginning.
Posted September 28, 2007 01:50 PM
allan millard
Hello,
I grew up in Canwood Saskatchewan and never heard anything about this - can you tell me where you foubd this information??
Posted September 29, 2007 04:51 PM
TERRY FRASER
Hi, Canwood in saskatchewan is about 8 miles from where I lived , Debden, my grandma was burried there around the same time einstien was there, I think she was german, maybe he went to her funeral. Bye.
Posted December 18, 2007 08:59 PM
Terry
Hi, did not know Ienstein was in canwood saskatchewan, but in 2003 when visiting my dad that lives only 21 miles from canwood where also his mom dad an daughter are burried. I also for some reason kepted asking dad about ienstein living around our farm, near debden, He kept telling me I was cazy.I know now from this article that I am right about my instinked. ( I can't believe that I was right about something no one knew 4 years in advance.) If I am right about this instinked I bet Einstein burried his daughter their'(The unknown one). Just like my dad burring his daught, would be an adult at death by now. Einsteins daughter could possible been given to a family in england, Like where my dads mom is from. Might be right, possible Instein went to his dughters funeral with my grandpa (also doing math to redirected the pain, It Can-wood be a secret. IF THIS IS A SPAM SITE, GET RIDE OF IT, STOP BUGGING PEOPLE. IF THIS SITE IS REAL ,NICE GOING!!! You are pretty smart. Bye.
Posted December 22, 2007 12:50 AM