In my last piece, we explored philosophy and business. We saw the power of questions. Today, let’s dig deeper.
We’re told as kids, “Every question is a good question.” But is it?
The world we’re in today calls for sharper tools. We need to polish the art of questioning.
Think about Plato. His philosophy was built on questions. What does this show us? Questions are louder than answers, but only if they’re good ones.
Here’s the crux: Want better answers? Craft better questions.
The quality of your questions shapes the quality of your answers. Craft them carefully. Good question, good answer. Bad question, bad answer.
Good questions are diamonds. They sparkle, they’re tough, and there’s an art to cutting them right. You need balance – a touch of broad thinking with a dash of specifics.
Let’s start broad. “How can we innovate our product?” Seems good, right? But it’s too wide, too vague. It leaves people adrift, unsure where to start.
Now, let’s zoom in. “How can we make the handle lighter?” This question has focus, but maybe too much. It pinpoints one feature, but forgets the rest of the product. It improves the handle, not the overall experience.
So, where’s the sweet spot? Each situation calls for its own approach, but here’s a sample: “How can we make the customer’s experience of mobility more seamless when riding a bike?” It’s precise, yet open. It invites creativity, yet sets a clear goal. It’s not just about a better bike, it’s about a better ride.
Crafting questions is tricky, especially when you’re just starting out. Here’s a tip: play ping-pong with your thoughts. Bounce back and forth between the wide view and the close-up. It’ll stretch your thinking and keep you focused, without trapping you in a never-ending question loop.
Still feeling stuck? That’s okay. Reach out. Ask for help. Good questions are an art, and every artist needs a mentor. I’m here if you need one. Together, we can turn your questions into answers.