Most people are not systematic about the questions they ask . . .
. . . they just ask the first thing that pops into their heads.
If you and your team want to make better decisions, then use a methodical process for problem-solving.
Following are some ideas on a systematic approach you can consider, based on a recent article from Harvard Business Review. Note: It’s not a matter of asking lots of questions – it is asking the right questions at the right time.
*First, what are the facts – what do we know? Why are you working on this project? Is this a new opportunity you invented or a problem that has appeared? Regardless, ask questions such as “Why are we faced with this situation?” Consider using the Toyota technique of asking “Why” five times to probe more deeply. Ask “How did this happen? What are the causes of the problem?”
*Brainstorm creative possibilities. Ask questions to get your team thinking more broadly, such as “How might we approach this in a unique way?” “What if we . . . ?” “What else might we do?”
*Planning questions. Once a proposed solution becomes clear, then start asking “next step” questions such as “Are there other people we need to consult – such as stakeholders? Do we have the resources we need? Who is going to do what by when? How do we hold one another accountable?”
*After Action Review questions. Make sure to take the time to review your results after the project – whether you were wildly successful or a big failure. Ask questions such as “What happened? What worked? What didn’t work? What can we do differently to make things work better?”
Educate your team on these different kinds of questions and their sequencing. Encourage them to add their own questions as you go through the process. By using a more systematic approach, you will make much more of a Mission Impact.
*Ideas for this blog taken from: Chevallier, A, Dalsace, F, & Barsoux, J-L. “The Art of Asking Smarter Questions,” Harvard Business Review, May – June, 2024.
