“If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask. For once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”

That quotation is from Albert Einstein, who I think we can all agree knew a thing or two about thinking and problem solving.

It is a brilliant insight, and I think it captures the essence of what continuing education is all about. It's easy to look at workshops, seminars and online courses as places to go to get answers.

But the truth is greater and more profound than that. Quality continuing education doesn't just give you the answers; it gives you a new context for thinking. It gives you the cognitive tools to ask the proper questions.

Whether you're talking about clinical expertise or practice management issues, or essential matters of life – the principle is the same. Don't start by scrambling to find the possible answers. Think deeply about what it is you're trying to solve, because the quest for the right answer has to begin with identifying the right question.


Post a Comment

Comments

Commenter's Profile Image Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Orthodontic Specialist
May 2nd, 2013
So true. Nice. Best wishes, Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca
Commenter's Profile Image Steven Rzepecki, DDS
May 2nd, 2013
This relates so well to the confusion we often face in treatment planning. Too often we want to focus on a solution rather than asking questions such as: What are the problems I see ? What are the likely causes of these problems? What is the ultimate desired outcome? Once we ask the right questions, solutions seem to fall in to place.
Commenter's Profile Image Mustapha
May 4th, 2013
Great way to solve the other prblems on which our lives do not depend.
Commenter's Profile Image Gaurav Kohale
May 18th, 2013
problem on sphere