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In 1942, Abraham Luchins conducted an experiment using three jars of water each with a different capacity. They are asked to figure out how to measure a certain amount of water using these jars. The goal of the experiment was to determine if participants will use a previously learned method to solve the problem, even if there are quicker and more efficient methods available.

In the original experiment, participants were divided into two groups.

The experimental group was given five practice problems followed by four critical test problems, while the control group did not have the practice problems. The practice problems and some of the critical problems had only one solution, which was "B minus A minus 2C."

For example, if given Jar A capable of holding 21 units of water, Jar B capable of holding 127 units, and Jar C capable of holding 3 units, participants were asked to measure out 100 units of water. The solution in this case would be to fill up Jar B and pour out enough water to fill Jar A once and Jar C twice.

The results of the water jar experiment showed that participants in the experimental group tended to use the previously learned method even when a simpler solution was available, while the control group used the simpler solution. However, when participants in the experimental group were given the warning "Don't be blind," over half of them used the simplest solution to the remaining problems. This warning helped reduce the prevalence of the Einstellung effect among the experimental group.

What is the Einstellung effect? What Luchins discovered with his three water jars, was being an expert at something can actually be a disadvantage. It can make you less likely to search for simpler solutions, using old, learned methods. When you become an expert in a specific field, you become more rigid, develop close-mindness, and stifles innovation and creative thinking. We develop functional fixedness. Luchins experiment shown that our minds are subject to two dangerous cognitive biases: the Einstellung Effect and Functional Fixedness.

We cannot allow our expertise to curb our creative process. We need to guard against the Einstellung Effect, and Functional Fixedness by following these important steps.

Change your Pattern of Thinking.

When you interrupt your normal pattern of thinking, delaying the response, decide to sleep on the decision, you return with a new prospective and a willingness to look for alternative ways. You engage your creative mind, with experience and knowledge.

Triple Check what you assume to be true.

In the water jug experiment, participants became stumped at problem 8 because they made a key assumption. They assumed that they solution would be the same as the one they had been using. That assumption blinded them to finding another way to try to solve the problem. And many participants gave up. Make sure your assumptions are correct.

Think outside the box.

Try and come up with the most ridiculous idea that could possibly solve the problem. By doing this, we force our brains to think differently divergently and often a small but vital idea emerges.

When we combined experience, expertise, innovation, and creative thinking to any problem, we become a better decision maker. When we remove innovation and creativity and rely on experience, we will not be as effective.

The Daily Coach Network — Accepting Applications

The Daily Coach Network, led by three-time Super Bowl-winning NFL executive Michael Lombardi and Naismith Basketball Hall-of-Fame Coach George Raveling, is a vetted membership community for sports executives, business leaders, and coaches who approach their leadership development like athletes.

Since the Network started in October, we’ve hosted 18 member Zoom calls, bringing community members together to discuss challenges and strategies for “Connecting with Younger Generations," "Motivating and Maintaining Drive in Teams," "Leading through High Uncertainty," and more.

If you’re a sports executive, business leader, or coach who wants to surround yourself with a community that’s driven to learn and develop, click here to apply today.