*The inspiration for this post came from friend and colleague Ivonne Kinser and her podcast...
Critical Thinking.
The highest form of critical thinking isn’t about having the right answers… It’s about recognizing when the question itself is flawed. This is especially relevant when brainstorming new ideas and approaches to old and new problems alike.
In a world driven by information, misinformation (so important now to never leave out), and especially speed and snap judgments, we most often rush to answers.
But true understanding and judgement, the kind that transforms thinking, institutions, and lives, doesn’t begin with answers. It begins with better questions… and often it begins with challenging the question itself.
Too often, we’re trapped by assumptions hidden in the way problems are framed… and the answers expected by those framing the questions. This is a HUGE problem in the brainstorming space of most companies.
Smart minds, and those looking to please the powers that be, respond. Wise minds, and those willing to test the restraints, pause.
Those that pause, ask:
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What is this question assuming?
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Who benefits from this framing?
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Is this even the right question to begin with?
Socrates knew it. Great leaders practice it. And in a world sadly addicted to speed (the “move fast and break things” practitioners), those who master this slower, deeper kind of thinking will shape a better future.
Because the real breakthroughs don’t come from better answers…
They come from better questions.
So be the one who “questions the question.” Real innovation often does not come from the top down, but from the middle up. So many high-level executives are too busy protecting their place in the hierarchy that they do not want to rock the boat. This is an opportunity for those willing to step-up, differentiate themselves. and make a difference. It’s all about Attitude, Perspective and Mindset.