“You can’t always rely on the same old solutions when the situation calls for something new and fast. Thinking creatively allows you to adapt, find alternative routes, and innovate ways to keep operations running smoothly.”

Back when I first became a Resident Assistant (RA), we had a team-building exercise that has stuck with me ever since. The task seemed simple enough: we were supposed to each share our top three personal values, and as a group, decide on the values that would define us as a team. The usual values came up: honesty, accountability, integrity, but when I suggested “creativity,” I could feel the hesitation. It’s not exactly what people expect to hear as a “core” value. But for me, creativity has always been essential, especially in engineering. It’s what turns problems into opportunities and makes solutions that much more powerful.

After some back-and-forth, creativity ended up on our team’s list of values, and it made me realize that creativity is often underestimated—not just in team-building exercises, but in professional environments like engineering. Yet, some of the most innovative solutions in history are the direct result of thinking creatively, outside the box.

In the world of engineering, it’s easy to get bogged down by rules, processes, and formulas. Yes, technical expertise is a must, but there’s something even more powerful when you pair that with creativity. Engineers who allow themselves to think outside the box are the ones who innovate and push boundaries. They’re the ones who see possibilities where others only see limitations.

Take, for example, the iconic Apollo 13 mission. Faced with a critical failure that threatened the lives of the astronauts on board, the engineers at NASA didn’t have time for a traditional, step-by-step approach. They had to get creative, improvising a carbon dioxide filtration system using nothing more than materials on board. Their quick thinking and ability to approach the problem from a creative angle saved the crew and became a legendary moment in engineering history.

Closer to everyday engineering challenges, creativity plays just as big of a role. Consider supply chain optimization, which is something I deal with regularly. Supply chains are built on data, logistics, and precise planning, but anyone who works in this field knows that disruptions happen all the time, from weather delays to material shortages. It’s in those moments that creativity becomes crucial. You can’t always rely on the same old solutions when the situation calls for something new and fast. Thinking creatively allows you to adapt, find alternative routes, and innovate ways to keep operations running smoothly.

One of the best things about creative problem-solving in engineering is that it doesn’t have to mean coming up with a completely new invention. Sometimes it’s about seeing how existing tools or methods can be used in a new way. Take the case of Elon Musk’s Tesla engineers rethinking traditional manufacturing processes to streamline electric vehicle production. Rather than sticking with standard assembly lines, they implemented creative automation techniques, cutting production times and reducing costs. It wasn’t about reinventing the wheel, it was about applying creative solutions to solve real problems.

Creativity isn’t just valuable in high-stakes situations or large-scale projects. It’s something we can cultivate in everyday engineering tasks. I’ve found that creativity can transform even the most routine work. When I was involved in optimizing the tool room processes at Cummins FSP, it wasn’t just about streamlining operations with data and systems. We had to rethink the flow of materials and reimagine how to do more with fewer resources. What seemed like small tweaks ended up saving significant time and costs and that was all driven by creative thinking.

Encouraging creativity in engineering isn’t just about solving the problems we face today; it’s about setting the stage for tomorrow’s breakthroughs. That’s why I’m so passionate about fostering creativity in STEM outreach programs. When working with young students, I’ve noticed that the ones who thrive aren’t necessarily the ones who memorize all the formulas or follow instructions to the letter, they’re the ones who ask, “What if we tried this instead?” They experiment, they test, and they’re not afraid to fail. That’s where true innovation starts. By encouraging students to approach problems with curiosity and creativity, we’re teaching them how to become the engineers who will solve the challenges of the future.

Engineering is often seen as a field grounded in precision, and it is. But it’s also a field that thrives on imagination. Creativity allows us to see new connections, find unconventional solutions, and innovate in ways that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether we’re solving supply chain bottlenecks or figuring out how to land astronauts back on Earth, creative problem-solving is what drives the most powerful engineering solutions.

By blending technical skills with creativity, engineers can develop more effective, sustainable, and innovative solutions that don’t just address today’s problems but shape the future. The next time you’re faced with a challenge—whether it’s on the shop floor, in the boardroom, or in the classroom—don’t just look for the logical solution. Look for the creative one. You might be surprised by what you discover!