Better questions lead to fresh ideas
Curiosity can be practised. A change of perspective often starts with a different question.
In meetings and conversations we often rush towards answers. Yet the question already shapes which possibilities appear. “Why does this never work?” opens a different space from “When has this worked before?”. The second wording does not solve the problem automatically, but it permits a closer observation.
Separate observation from judgement
Describe what actually happened first. Who was involved, which step took time and what information was missing? Only then consider explanations. This sequence prevents an early assumption from hiding other causes. In a shared project, an accurate description may be more useful than a particularly inventive solution.
Ask one question further
When an answer sounds plausible, ask for an example. When exactly did it happen? Is there an exception? What could you observe to test the idea? These follow-up questions need not signal distrust. Asked kindly, they show interest and help turn broad statements into useful insights.
Try this
- Rephrase a judgement as an observational question.
- Ask for a concrete example.
- Name a possible observation that would challenge the idea.
A thought to take away
Curiosity does not always need more information. Sometimes it needs a pause before the first explanation. Collecting questions before evaluating answers makes it easier to notice assumptions that previously went unseen.
