In our work – and lives – we find that the questions we focus on are usually more useful than the abundance of easy answers.  Taking time to think through to the right question can be very useful – and even fun! 

Working to a short, straightforward and significant question takes some effort. 

Often a “how” question might be more useful as a “why” or a “what”. 

For example 

“How do we need to organise this project over the next 90 days to increase its value” 

is quite different to

“What would it take to increase the value of this project over the next quarter”

See here for a bit more on our Question Fanning method.  This is taught on our Brilliant Thinking Made Easy course. It helps get the scope of a question right (both the subject and scale of inquiry)

For example, ‘project’, ‘value’ and ’90 days’ may not be useful to focus on!

We do believe that as humans we are drawn in the direction of the questions we ask.  We see this in science, business and in personal pursuits of happiness.

And a few quotes that pick up the point:

“Always the beautiful answer who asks a more beautiful question” – e e cummings

“He must be very ignorant for he answers every question he is asked” – Voltaire

Tags: change, communication