Hey Wonder-ers!
This month, we’re diving into the power of asking better questions—because the right question can unlock creativity, solve problems, and spark new ideas at work and in life. To get started, try asking foundational questions like “Why?”, “What if?”, and “How?” to dig deep, explore new possibilities, and take meaningful action. Next, focus on open-ended questions that encourage expansive thinking and avoid limiting responses. Finally, make sure to listen actively and build on others’ ideas, creating a culture of trust where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and perspectives.
3 Things
Start with foundational questions like “Why?”, “What if?”, and “How?” to dig deeper into the issue at hand. “Why?” helps uncover the root cause of a problem, ensuring you address the real issue rather than just its symptoms. “What if?” opens up a world of possibilities, encouraging creative and unconventional solutions by challenging the status quo, while “How?” brings those ideas to life with clear, actionable steps.
Then, shift to open-ended questions that invite expansive thinking, allowing others to reflect, elaborate, and share their perspectives beyond simple yes or no answers. Questions like “How could we improve this?” or “What other possibilities do you see?” create an environment of inclusivity and innovation.
Finally, active listening is key—it’s not just about hearing others, but engaging with their thoughts and building on their ideas. This fosters a space where people feel valued and heard, leading to greater collaboration and trust. In mastering the art of asking better questions, you unlock deeper connections, clearer solutions, and creative breakthroughs—both at work and in life.
The lack of an appetite for inquiry starts with our educational systems, a reality I experienced firsthand by attending four very different schools. I moved from a nurturing preschool to an urban public elementary school focused on rote learning, where I excelled at worksheets but lacked intellectual challenge, frustrating my parents. In fourth grade, I switched to a suburban public school, gaining rigorous academics but facing social challenges as the only Black child in my grade. Later, at a private Quaker prep school, I discovered a transformative learning culture that rewarded questioning and challenging norms, teaching me the liberating power of inquiry.
Yet, building a culture of inquiry is difficult due to how feedback triggers the brain’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response. As M. Tamra Chandler explains in Feedback (and Other Dirty Words), critique can feel like a threat, activating stress hormones and fear of rejection, which limits our ability to embrace feedback and inquiry as growth tools.
Three Actionable Insights:
1) Start with "Why?" "What if?" and "How?" These powerful questions help guide your thinking through every phase of problem-solving. "Why?" allows you to uncover the underlying causes of issues, ensuring you're addressing the real problem. "What if?" sparks creativity and opens up a world of possibilities by challenging existing assumptions and thinking outside the box. Finally, "How?" grounds those ideas in reality, helping you break down solutions into actionable steps. Together, they foster a deep understanding and a clear path forward.
2) Ask open-ended questions. Open-ended questions promote deeper, more thoughtful responses by encouraging people to reflect and elaborate. Unlike yes/no questions, they invite individuals to share their insights, opinions, and creative solutions. For example, instead of asking, "Did you like the idea?" try asking, "What did you like about the idea?" or "How do you think it could be improved?" This kind of questioning helps uncover diverse perspectives and drives more innovative, holistic thinking.
3) Listen actively and build on others' ideas. Active listening is about more than just hearing what others say; it involves fully understanding and engaging with their ideas. By paraphrasing, asking clarifying questions, or offering feedback, you show respect for their input and encourage a collaborative atmosphere.
When people feel heard and valued, they're more likely to share their thoughts freely, creating an open, trusting environment where everyone can contribute and build on each other’s ideas for better solutions. When people feel heard and valued, they're more likely to share their thoughts freely, creating an open, trusting environment where everyone can contribute and build on each other’s ideas for better solutions.
Asking better questions is a simple yet powerful tool that can transform how we think, collaborate, and create. By starting with foundational questions like “Why?”, “What if?”, and “How?”, we can dig deeper into problems, unlock new possibilities, and find actionable solutions. Shifting to open-ended questions encourages expansive thinking, inviting diverse perspectives and fostering innovation.
Most importantly, active listening creates an environment of trust and collaboration where everyone feels valued. When we embrace the art of inquiry, we not only spark creativity but also build deeper connections and drive meaningful progress in every aspect of life.
What questions do you have about bringing more creativity into your organization? Reply to this email - I read every response!
Based on concepts from The Creativity Leap: Unleash Curiosity, Improvisation, and Intuition at Work (Berrett-Koehler, 2020)
