It is a mistake to see the introduction of systematic thinking as the death of creativity. Certainly there is a danger of the simplicity and elegance of a system becoming more important than actually organizing the event. The analytic approach outlined in this section is an aid to creative thinking. It is often thought that those who have to 'think on their feet' are the creative thinkers. When there is not a well thought out system to assist decision making, then the event management will be continually solving problems, putting out the grass fires.
Problem solving in a state of panic requires a certain amount of creative thinking.
However satisfying this may be when it all works out, it is no substitute for creatively thinking in a ordered and calm environment. Knowing that most problems have been 'solved before they occur' is a wonderful way to focus on the creative process. There are a number of tools that can be used to assist creativity thinking. Perhaps the most recognized is being able to draw from a variety of experiences and skills. Some event managers purposely attend lots of events that have little to do with their specialty and others will read widely.