I used to dish out ideas like cakes to those who are good all-around but just cannot figure out what they want to do. Recently, I realized this is a mistake.
Ideas are not like cakes that can just be given out. Rather, they are more like dresses that better be tailored individually.
This applies to all kinds of people.
Those who can already create ideas do not need to be told what to do anyway. They just need guidance. This is the best case scenario.
Some have potential to create ideas but cannot do right now due to lack of proper training or motivation. The goal is to kindle their autonomy. Giving cakes is not going to achieve this, and these might not be what they like to eat anyway. The right thing to do is forcing them to think. The process could be frustrating sometimes, but worth the end result.
Those who lack fundamental abilities to create ideas are not suitable for research anyway. Giving them ideas just wastes everyone’s time (and the ideas). They should switch to alternative career paths as early as possible.
A proper timing to share ideas is after someone already figures out a related direction.
Good guidance. Indeed, bright ideas are not batch production. Maybe as an analogy, I don’t like blind date,rather I like to chase the girl who is attractive and shinning in my eyes. And this may be a real journey worth tasting and enjoying rather than a mission to be completed.
Comment by He Rui — July 27, 2013 @ 8:52 pm |