Many businesses waste time addressing irrelevant problems due to misunderstanding the problem and asking the wrong questions. Albert Einstein suggested spending time to understand the problem before proposing a solution. Asking good questions allows for understanding the core issue and addressing the correct problems. Conversely, asking the wrong questions may lead to wasted time solving the wrong problem. Good questions can reframe the issue to offer a new perspective and identify better solutions. Innovation expert Stephen Shapiro suggests finding a “better box” rather than thinking outside the box. By changing the question, one can quickly find the same solution or discover unconsidered solutions. Different types of questions, such as “why” questions, can trigger explanations and potential areas of innovation. The “5 whys” technique can help identify the root cause of a problem by continually asking “why”. For instance, Jack Dorsey’s question “Why can’t everyone accept credit cards?” led to the development of Square.
“Ask Right, Solve Right: The Power of Effective Questioning in Business”
