Ask Questions Like A Kid

During the recent Fourth of July holiday I had great fun spending some time with my great-niece and great-nephew. I rarely get to see them as they live thousands of miles way so I was observing closely. Aria is just two while Caden is almost four-and-a-half.

There were a lot of big people fawning all over them, so at first they were understandably a bit shy. But once they got past that, they were energetic and talkative just like most young children.

Their conversation intrigued me. Not just the things they talked about (the birds at the feeder, the smoke from the grill, the piles of toys, my facial hair…) but also the way they watched whomever they were talking to. Watched closely while asking questions and listening to the replies.

Their questions came continuously. Some were asked with words while others were asked merely by holding something up and seeing what response they received. They showed no fear of asking a silly question, no fear of asking again if they didn’t understand the first response, no fear of asking follow-up questions. And no worry about being judged as uneducated, inexperienced, or stupid.

It was clear to me that they were observing their conversational partners so closely in order to gauge the facial response that went with the verbal answer. They were continuously checking to see how their question was received. And taking notice of which questions made their older relatives uncomfortable and which ones were answered easily.

Of course the questions that brought an uncomfortable response were the ones they liked the most and pressed the hardest.

It occurred to me as I watched and listened that these youngsters had quite a bit to teach those in the business world.

How often are we fearful of asking questions, fearful of how they will be received, fearful of appearing stupid? Yes…all the time.

And so we have organizations filled with people stuck in their thinking, unwilling to question perceived wisdom, following the path unquestioningly right over the cliff.

It’s not the answers that are the most important element in helping you move forward. It’s the questions. Questions that challenge assumptions and existing ways of doing things. Questions that attack the status quo. Questions that lead you down new paths. Questions that set people back on their heels .

When you don’t understand, when something isn’t right, when things are going poorly…take a deep breath and ask questions. Loudly and repeatedly. Keep asking until you understand, until things are fixed, until the situation improves, until clarity is achieved.

And then ask more questions to ensure you wind up with the best results possible.

Question the assumptions.

Question the methodology.

Question the need.

Question the cost.

Question why it’s being done at all…or why not.

Then keep questioning.

Be fearless in your questioning, just like a young child. Have any doubts about how to do this? Perhaps you can hire Aria and Caden to come to your office and show you the way.