Now the little wheels begin to turn as I'm trying to come up with a way to postpone the backup without having to drive into the office. As I went back to the siding job, I reflected a bit on what had just transpired. There are four key skills and attitudes that seem to come into play in this situation. I was positive that a way could be found, even if a drive to the office was required. This attitude is crucial in dealing with users, who are interested only in results and outcomes, not in the process or details of solving the problem.
Creativity plays a part here as well.
Before one can be creative in solving a problem, one must be motivated to take a little risk with the creative approach. I've know some capable system managers who, when confronted with complex problems, throw up their hands in frustration because they are afraid to think creatively. They are more comfortable with what is obvious and certain. Sometimes certainty and stability will work very well, but it won't be enough. Searching for answers to what seems an impossibility can be the biggest challenge.