Philosopher Emile Chartier : "Nothing is more dangerous than an idea when it is the only one we have."
One way to avoid this danger is to ask questions that solicit plural answers. When confronted with a problem, people often ask : "What's the answer?" as if only one were possible. If we ask, "What are the answers?" we'll dig more deeply and perhaps get closer to what we're seeking.

Looking for the second right answer is especially important when dealing with ambiguous messages.
Example: in 546 B.C., Croesus, the last ruler of the Lydian Empire, consulted the Delphic Oracle for ideas on how to deal with the Persians. He received the following prophecy: "If you attack, a great empire will be destroyed." Croesus took this as an encouraging sign, and led his army against the Persians fully expecting to destroy their empire. Instead, he was soundly defeated, and it was his empire that was lost.

What's the second right answer in your situation? What other ideas are below the surface?