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Asked by jpriestley to Andrew, Emma, Marianne on 17 Jun 2010 in Categories: Scientist.
Question: Do you ever get to a point with you work where you feel you're stuck or out of ideas?
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Andrew Maynard answered on 17 Jun 2010:
Hi jpriestley,
All the time!
Ever heard the expression “genius is 99% perspiration, 1% inspiration”? I find it’s just the same being a scientist – a lot of hard work, and some days where my brain aches because I can’t think of where to go next or the next good idea. But the hard work pays off in the end.
The trick is to capture the really good ideas when they pop up – because they are so rare!
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Marianne Baker answered on 17 Jun 2010:
Hey jpriestley.
Good question!
Yes, I certainly do.Fortunately for me, our institute is packed with really brilliant people. So sometimes all it takes is a quick chat with someone, and they give you loads of ideas!
Sometimes that’ll be my boss; supervisors have a broader view of everyone’s project, as well as the details, and they know what direction they want their work to be going in. So they have experience and vision to try to guide your work effectively.Often it’s other people in the lab; people with more experience than me (that’s not difficult!) who can point me in the right direction.
Other times it just takes a bit of time out (maybe a trip to the pub with some non-lab friends…) and a good sleep – then suddenly everything seems to make more sense.
At least, that’s the idea 😀
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anon answered on 17 Jun 2010:
Nope. I am the unfathomable knowledge chasm, I am the riddler, I am sparkier than a plug.
Definitely, that’s why it’s always important to have a good team around you. Actually it’s best if you’re the dumbest member of the team because then anybody can help you….
Sometimes if you are too close to a problem a fresh pair of eyes can really help you out.
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