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It is not the ability to "find" answers that distinguishes a TENEX mind, but the ability to "seek" answers. Any human mind with reasonable intelligence can come up with the answers to a question posed with sufficient clarity. It is the desire to "seek" something new that differentiates a creative and innovative person from the ones who trod the beaten path.

 
Let us take an example.
 
I put two packets of sugar in my coffee. I always open one packet of sugar, pour the sugar in the cup and then open the other packet.
 
One day I open the packets by placing one on the top of the other and open both the packets in one opening operation.
 
Here, which is the TENEX moment ? Not the one when one realizes that both the packets can be opened in one operation by placing one on the top of the other. But the one when one asks - is there a better way of doing it ?
 
Instead of struggling to find answers, direct your energy to finding questions and you will be more innovative, creative and efficient. While solving a problem, instead of trying to find out answers, try coming up with better questions and you will be surprised at your ability to find solutions at lightning speed.
 
 
1. While solving  any problem situation or trying to come up with a new idea, it is fine if
you dont know all the ANSWERS. It is enough if you know good questions. Your Automatic Innovation Mechanism will lead you to the right answers if you have sufficient amount of well-defined questions with enough clarity and intensity.
 
Let us go one step further.
 
2. It is fine if you dont have good QUESTIONS. Finding the right set of good questions will become a problem in itself, and you will be able to apply the TENEX methods to come up with a set of great questions.
 
In such cases, the driving QUESTION is : What are the "good" questions for this problem ? How can I find that set of great questions ?
 
We will look deeply into the art of asking great questions in the next several newsletters. Once a question is posed, there is still lots you can do to jolt your Innovation Mechanism into pouring out the answers.